Your Vocation: Called by Name

Vocation means “calling”. Before any career choice, God calls every baptised person to holiness, to become a saint (Lumen Gentium 40). That is your first and deepest vocation.

God also calls each person to a particular state of life, a way of giving yourself in love:

• Marriage: a man and a woman give themselves to each other for life and welcome children. It is a sacrament and a sign of Christ’s love for the Church (CCC 1601).
• Priesthood: men called to serve God’s people through the Word, the sacraments and pastoral care.
• Consecrated life: religious sisters and brothers, and others, who give themselves totally to God through poverty, chastity and obedience.
• Some live a single life dedicated to God and others.

How do I discern?

1. Pray daily, even briefly, and ask, “Lord, what do you want for my life?”
2. Stay close to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.
3. Notice your gifts, your joys, and the needs of others.
4. Talk with a wise guide: a priest, a religious, or a faith-filled adult.

Pope Francis tells young people: “Christ is alive, and he wants you to be alive!” (Christus Vivit 1). Do not be afraid of his call.