Definition of Vocation

"Through the Sacrament of Baptism, each person receives a 'call' or vocation.  God calls all that are baptized to holiness and service.  This call is lived out as a single, married, ordained or consecrated person". The word "vocation" is used in a variety of ways and that can lead to a lot of confusion.  In the most basic sense, 'vocation' with a small "v" refers to being "called".  In this sense we say that Christians have a vocation to holiness.  That is, we are called to live holy lives.  So, you may hear people in the Church talk about the "universal call to holiness" that flows from baptism.  That is the most basic and first 'vocation' - to be holy.             In the sense that it is most often used, however, 'Vocation' with a big 'V' refers to the 4 life commitments or 'States of Life' - Christian Marriage, the Single Life, the Consecrated Life and Holy Orders.             Since the Second Vatican Council the Church has more and more spoken about a 'Personal Vocation'.  This helps us to understand that God calls each of us personally and uniquely.  We could say that no two vocations are the same.  The part each of us plays in God's plan is unique and unrepeatable, just as each of us is unique and unrepeatable.  Sometimes we even speak of vocation and 'mission' interchangeably.  That's because in 'calling' us God also 'sends' us.

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Our Response

Being 'chosen' by God is only the first step.  Imagine when the archangel Gabriel came to Mary if she had made no response!  The first step for all Christians is to choose Him, to put our faith in Jesus and to follow Him.  This means seeking to grow in holiness by imitating Him.             So, having been chosen by God to be a disciple, we also have to choose.  Actually, we are invited to a lifelong series of choices.  Our response isn't once for all time - it's ongoing - to choose God above all things in each present moment.  Now that's holiness!

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Misunderstandings about "being called"

1) Called or Un-called?             If we live life as a 'called' life it means that we believe and act out of the belief that God has a plan for us.  An 'un-called' approach to life means we are all sort of "generic people" each doing our own thing. Think about this: most people, even Christians, approach life as if it's an empty canvas for us to draw on.  "What do I want to be?" or "What am I going to do with my life."  The question that really leads to our happiness and a meaningful life is: "What does God want for your life?"  "What did God put me on this planet for?"  Another way of putting it is this: We're Pilgrims in life, not nomads.             If you've really chosen God above all things, and want to follow Him, does it really make sense to say "I want to get married" or "I want to be a priest".  Shouldn't we say, "Here I am, Lord.  I want to do your will".  Unconsciously, many people are saying, "Listen, Lord. Your servant is speaking," instead of "Speak, Lord.  Your servant is listening."  Jesus said, after all, "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you." 2) On-going Journey             'Being called' isn't just one moment.  Many people think about St. Paul being blinded on the road to Damascus and think that being called is one defining, unmistakable moment.  While people do have powerful spiritual experiences most people experience 'being called' as an on-going unfolding as they daily seek to follow God faithfully and generously. 3) Not just priests and religious Because we often use 'vocation' and 'call' to refer specifically to priests, sisters and brothers many lay people don't see their own lives in terms of being called and sent.             God chooses us

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What's Next?

Now that you know the basics you may want to take a closer look at other places on our site.  'How do you know?' will tell you more about 'Discernment' of God's will for you.  'Life to the Fullest' is devoted to the Consecrated Life with links to several local Religious Communities.  'Ten Steps into the Future' describes the steps from 'just thinking about it' to becoming a priest or religious.  Throughout the year the Diocese and other local Religious Communities offer Retreats, Programs and Workshops to help people take another step in the vocation journey.  Check out 'Programs' or 'Calendar' to find out about the options.

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