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Vocational Discernment |
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The primary goal of those entrusted with the responsibility of admissions to our way of life is discovering the will of God. While we desire to promote vocations and grow in numbers, we avoid what is popularly known as recruitment. Vocational work is ultimately a service offered to benefit the entire church and not towards the growth and expansion of one particular religious institution. |
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If there be any word which defines our understanding of vocations, it is simply, discernment. It is our desire to assist serious and mature men and women in discovering that particular state in life where they can sacrifice themselves for the kingdom of God and grow holy. For most it is marriage, yet many others find their fulfillment in life as religious, clergy, or in the single state. |
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| Those called to our way of life have found the peace and joy which comes from discovering and doing the will of God. These are the essential elements which characterize our way of life and constitute the "soil" which supports and nourishes our call to holiness: |
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Catholic
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Franciscan
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Capuchin
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Contemplative
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Prophetic
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Apostolic
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Fraternal
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Pro-Life
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How to Discover God's Plan for You
8 Steps for Discernment
- Be Quiet in order to hear the Lord's voice calling. Take time to pray and meditate in silence about your vocation, especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Find a spiritual director - somebody you can be open with - who can help you to develop your relationship with God and to know yourself better.
- Ask a priest, brother or sister in your parish to put you in touch with a vocation director.
- Read up on religious and priestly life. Look at a good periodical on vocations and check out the ads.
- Write to the communities that interest you.
- Visit the ones you feel called to.
- Build a relationship with the one where you have a sense of coming home. Get involved in its summer or monthly programs. Don't just talk the talk - walk the walk with them as well.
- Wait for the Lord. Discerning your vocation is a process. God's timing is always perfect - but seldom seems soon enough!
Remember, if you ASK, SEEK, KNOCK, you may not find the vocation you thought you would, but by trying you'll have found out one of the most important things in life - self-knowledge.
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Scripture Relating to Vocations:
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OLD TESTAMENT
| Abraham |
Gen. 12:1-4a |
| Moses |
Ex. 3:10-12; 4:1, 10-12 |
| Samuel |
1 Sam. 3:1-10 |
| Amos |
Am. 7:14-15 |
| Isaiah |
Is. 6:8 |
| Jeremiah |
Jer. 1:4-8 |
| Ezekiel |
Ez. 3:1-4 |
| Kings |
1 King 10 |
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NEW TESTAMENT
| Night in Prayer |
Lk 6:12-15 |
| Temptations |
Lk 4:1-13 |
| The Twelve |
Mk 3:13-15 |
| Martha & Mary |
Lk 10:38-42 |
| Rich Young Man |
Lk 18:15-30 |
| Seek First |
Lk 12:22-31 |
| Requirements |
Lk 9:57-62 |
| What matters |
Phil 1:9-10 |
| The Cross |
Mt 16:25-28 |
| All Things |
Rom 8:26-31 |
| Few Chosen |
Mt 22:1-14 |
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