Salina — As part of this year’s “Stewards of Hope” emphasis on vocations, Bishop Edward Weisenburger is distributing to parishes a CD recording of people in the diocese praying the Rosary for vocations.

The CD is expected to be completed sometime in September. Each parish will receive 10 free copies, and priests are asked to distribute them specifically to shut-ins, asking for their help.

“The purpose of the CD is for parishioners, especially shut-ins or those who might be limited in other ways of assistance, to pray a rosary once a week for vocations,” Bishop Weisenburger said. “While there are many other worthwhile activities we can and should undertake to foster vocations, in this project, my goal is that we place prayer ahead of all other efforts.

“Indeed, while we oftentimes speak of the primary importance of prayer, our actions do not always betray that belief,” he continued. “In this way, we will be putting into action our belief in the fundamental role of prayer; moreover I have no doubt that the Lord will bless us in response to our prayers.”

If there is additional interest beyond the 10 copies provided to each parish, the diocese will produce more copies for a modest fee to cover the cost of reproduction and mailing.

“Also, we hope to have a link to it on our diocesan Web page where people could click on the audio and pray with the recording,” Bishop Weisenburger said.

This is the second year of the four-year “Stewards of Hope” diocesan plan. Each year adds a particular focus in an effort to help revitalize parishes and inspire the faithful.

The first year, 2011, focused on the call to holiness, stewardship as a way of life, honoring the Lord’s day and the Sunday Eucharist, and evangelization.

Year two focuses on formation for ministry, include vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate and consecrated life, as well as forming lay ecclesial ministers and lay leaders.

In 2013, the plan will promote marriage and family, religious education, youth and young adult ministry, and human dignity and the sanctity of life.

In the fourth and final year of the plan in 2014, the focus will be on communications, ministry to ethnic groups and Catholic social teaching.

Each year’s focus continues as new topics are added. Each parish or groups of parishes have formed “Stewards of Hope” committees to help implement the plan locally.

Bishop Weisenburger said individuals’ prayers are vital to this year’s focus.

“I am very much counting on your help with this project. Please join with me in placing our great need prayerfully before the Lord that we might know a host of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, diaconate, marriage and those called to the single life,” he said.