Fostering Vocations through the Travelling Chalice Program
This article was written by Ngozi Okose, a Member of the St. Vital Parish Vocations Committee with the interview pieces added by Janelle Malkiewicz
From May 11th, 2025, onward, St. Vital Parish has embarked on a grace-filled journey of fostering vocations through the Travelling Chalice Program, an initiative launched by the parish’s Vocations Committee and inspired by Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, a national movement dedicated to nurturing a culture of vocations in Catholic communities.
Where Did the Chalice Come From?
The chalice itself originates from the days of Jesuit priests at St. John Brebeuf Parish. The Serra Club of Winnipeg graciously sponsored the refurbishment of this chalice, arranging for it to be sent to Montreal for restoration. After the chalice returned beautifully regilded, a parishioner from St. John Brebeuf generously volunteered to craft the wooden case in which the chalice now sits.
Many people can be thanked for its creation, including Fr. Wayne Morrisey, who spearheaded the initiative. Along with the chalice, families with young boys were offered the opportunity to borrow a set of child-sized priestly vestments and a Mass kit that children can use to pretend and so enter, in their own way, a dialogue with God about the Mass. This beautiful set was donated by an American ministry called “Wee Apostles and Disciples.”
Kristina Schilling, a parishioner of St. Vital Parish and member of their Vocations Committee, shares that the chalice was recently rediscovered and shared with the committee.
“Fr. Chris [Pugh] found it in storage – I guess it had been in there over [the pandemic] and told us we could have it, and we all got really excited about it,” Kristina explains, “we thought it would be a great opportunity.”
This effort comes at a crucial time, as the Church across North America faces a decline in vocations. In response, the St. Vital Vocations Committee, comprised of 10 members, has adopted a mission to foster a deeper understanding of the priesthood, consecrated life, and other forms of vocation, particularly among the youth and families of the parish.
“We participated in Called by Name Sunday and have done a few adoration nights where we incorporated prayers for vocations and provided resources for those who attend and encouraged prayer for vocations.” Kristina shared about the parish’s vocations committee.
How To Use the Travelling Chalice
The Travelling Chalice Program, a simple yet powerful initiative, invites families to host a chalice that has been previously used at Mass in their homes for a week. Accompanied by a prayer binder tailored for all ages, the chalice serves as a sacred reminder to pray for vocations and discern one’s personal calling in life. Through prayer, we hope that God will open more hearts to His calling, particularly to the priesthood, but also to the calling He has for each of us in our daily lives.
Kristina is a mother to three young children and shares that while making time for intentional prayer isn’t always the easiest task, the presence of the chalice in her home – or even family cabin – serves as a powerful reminder of the call to prayer.
“We ended up bringing it to the cabin, and things got really busy – it’s always just a little chaotic with kids.” Kristina laughs, “We prayed with it every evening as part of our bedtime prayer routine, and we pointed out the special chalice that we could see during prayer time and talked to our kids about how God has something special planned for each of us.”
Kristina shares that it was an opportunity to open that type of conversation with her kids for the first time. It also prompted her family to remember to pray for their priests and seminarians.
“Having a holy item like this chalice, along with prayers provided that are age-appropriate, made it really easy and felt like a retreat in our house.” Kristina shares. “Children gravitate towards things that they can touch and see.”
The chalice itself has made its way through the homes of parishioners, first from St. John Brebeuf parish and then to St. Anthony of Padua Church (WK). Before the chalice began its journey through parish homes at St. Vital, it was displayed in the church for the first three weeks of May, allowing parishioners to familiarize themselves with it, pray with it and learn about the program during Mass.
The program’s launch on World Day of Prayer for Vocations was met with heartfelt enthusiasm. Since June 1st, 2025, more than a dozen families have welcomed and signed the chalice into their homes, continuing into the summer months of July and August. Feedback from those who have had time with it already has been very positive; several comments have been made about how special it was to have the chalice in their home, and some have even mentioned an increased openness to their vocation. Plans are already underway to bring the chalice into classrooms in the Catholic schools in the Fall, further weaving this ministry into the daily life of the parish and its young people.
The Travelling Chalice brings the sacred into the everyday rhythm of home and family life, offering a quiet, prayerful space where the seed of a vocation might take root. The Vocations Committee continues to welcome new members to support this growing ministry. With hope and prayer, the vision is to expand beyond St. Vital Parish, building a network of vocational support across our archdiocese.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “To be a saint is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.” May this chalice continue its sacred journey, stirring hearts and opening minds to God’s call in every life.
Have a story from your parish community to share with the greater archdiocese? Email communications@archwinnipeg.ca.