Vocation

What is a vocation? A vocation is a response to God where a young person discovers they are called to the vocation of Marriage or Priesthood or Religious Life.

It varies in length for each individual, but leads each person to his or her own peace - to the place where, through prayer and discernment, they rely on Christ leading them to the vocation which will bring about the most holiness.

In this process the young person seeks God's will by allowing him to show them which vocation it is. Unless both marriage and religious life are reflected on, God's will is not sought in its fullness.

The vocation cannot be understood from a distance. Most young people say they aren't called to be a priest or sister, and yet they have never visited a convent or monastery or experienced Diocesan priesthood. When Jesus called the apostles he said, "come after me," and " follow me." That meant we must search out our vocation in life


How does a person begin to know?

1. First, you must pray so that God will reveal it to you! And not just two minutes but something like praying a rosary or half an hour of adoration in the front of Christ.

2. Second, you seek counsel to ask advices. When people judge on their own, very often they are deceived. Speak with a holy priest, sister or brother about some questions you have.

3. Third, go and see! If you are discerning marriage, be around holy couples! If you are discerning being a religious sister, go to a convent, make a nun run as mapped out on this webpage and be with the nuns. If you are discerning priesthood, visit a Diocesan priest or Religious monk and be with them.

4. Fourth, develop the virtues of patience and perseverance. Patiently wait on what God wants to show you. Some people expect answers quickly; it may happen but God usually goes slowly. He also wants you to persevere! That way he walks you through life, and in your faithfulness you come through a stronger person.