The purpose of the Elijah Cup, a consecrated chalice, is to provide a focal point for prayer. We all know the need for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate and religious life — but we sometimes forget how powerful praying for an increase in vocations can be.
The Second Vatican Council teaches that it is the work of the laity to pray for and raise up vocations, a teaching echoed by Pope John Paul II.
“The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain upon the earth.”
1 Kings 17:14
During a drought, Elijah asked the poor widow of Zarephath to make him a small loaf with the last of her flour and oil. In faith she did — and for the next year the widow, her son and Elijah ate from a jar that never emptied. If we pray with the faith of the widow, our cup will never run dry: we will always have priests to bring us Jesus in the Eucharist.
How it works
- At Sunday Mass, the celebrant uses the Elijah Cup as the chalice or a cup for the Precious Blood.
- After Communion, he calls a family, couple or individual forward. They receive a blessing and take the cup home, setting it in a place of honor.
- All week, at meals or bedtime, they pray for an increase in vocations and for perseverance in them — children included.
- The next Sunday, they return the cup with the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory, and it goes home with the next family.
A prayer journal travels with the cup. Each household adds a thought, prayer or verse of Scripture, and over time the journal becomes a spiritual diary of the whole parish.
Praying for vocations is the most powerful way to support them. A vocation is a call of the Holy Spirit — a gift from God that is nurtured in prayer. We hope that everyone who brings the cup home will keep praying for vocations every day.
Bring the Elijah Cup to your parish
Atlanta Serra will help your parish begin — with the cup, the journal, and everything you need. Tell us a little about your parish and we will be in touch.