This guide has been prepared in conjunction with The Universe and The Catholic Times, in order to encourage all baptised people to consider the nature of vocation in their lives, be they religious or lay.
Whatever the path we are travelling through this world, it can be lived out in a variety of ways. As Catholics and Christians we are called upon to make that journey in the spirit of vocation, living it as a witness to our faith, as models of Christ.
Whether you are considering a commitment to the religious life, or are looking for ways in which you can enhance the spiritual depth of you daily life, I hope this information will offer you some helpful signposts along the way.
Joseph Kelly, Editorial Director
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Why a vocation?
Read testimonies from those who have already answered their vocational calling:
Sisters of the Cross and Passion
Franciscan Sister Minoress
Knights of St. Columba
Caritas Christi
Priesthood and Prison Chaplaincy
Christian Brother
The Society of Franciscan Pilgrims
The Society of Franciscan Pilgrims
Poor Clare nun of the Arundel community
My name is Sr Gabriel Davison and I am a Poor Clare nun of the Arundel community.
I was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne where I lived until I went to read Engineering at Salford University. During the final year of my studies I thought that I might have a vocation, so with the help of the Catholic Chaplaincy I began to look at different vocations within the church and it was then that I learned more about the contemplative life.I had a great inner struggle as I wanted to use my degree to help other people but I was also drawn to a life of prayer. During my discernment year it was then that I discovered that God wants us for who we are and not for what we can do and so my focus changed from ‘doing’ more to ‘being’.
I had various ‘live in’ experiences with different orders and I knew from that experience that I wanted to try my vocation with the Poor Clares.
The simplicity and poverty which radiated from the sisters spoke to me of a God of tenderness and compassion and it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have been in the order for more than a decade now and although at times it has been difficult not for one moment would I wish to be doing anything else.
Sisters of the Cross and Passion
As a teenager I studied St. Matthew’s Gospel. In fact, I knew it off by heart, apart from its genealogy!
It was St. Matthew’s account of the Passion, however, that struck a deep chord. I still recall the drama I felt at the terrible mistake the Jewish leaders were making in crucifying the Messiah they had been waiting for over hundreds of years and the compassion in Our Lord’s prayer: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
But, of course, Our Lord died to save us all and it seemed to me that the only repayment one could make for such great love was to give one’s own life in return.
Therefore, at the age of 17, I entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.
Graced by the contemplative/active charism of our Congregation, I have been introduced into a deep spirituality that has fuelled a very active apostolate in teaching, ecumenism, parish activities, academic pursuits and service within our own community.
It has always been totally fulfilling.
What would I say to young people today? If you think Our Lord is calling you, follow Him without delay!
Franciscan Sister Minoress
I am Sister Shirley of the Divine Mercy and Mercy Sunday 23rd April 2006 was one of the most important days in my life. At a ceremony in Melton Mowbray, in the presence of sisters, family and friends, I publicly committed myself to God for life as a Franciscan Sister Minoress.
It all began way back in 1992 when I took my first steps on the vocation journey. While living and working in Galway, I felt called to the Religious Life and wrote to different Orders for information.I accepted the invitation to visit one Order that appealed to me: The Franciscan Sisters Minoress. I made my way to their convent in Cabra, Dublin and spent a weekend with them. Sister Columba welcomed me and spent time with me exploring the whole mystery of vocation. Happily for me, Sister Columba is now Mother General and received my commitment for life as a Franciscan Minoress Sister.
I have a great love for Jesus of the Divine Mercy. Although I felt called, I still struggled for several years to answer that call but on Mercy Sunday 1998 I received the grace to respond to my personal call from God to be a Sister.
I entered Religious Life on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, 13th May 1998 and feel an overwhelming gratitude to God, my family, my sisters and the staff of All Saints’ where I am a School chaplain, for their prayer, support and encouragement which have led me to my special day, Mercy Sunday 2006.
I hope this article will inspire many young people to take to heart the words of Pope John Paul II: "Do not be afraid to put out into the deep."
If there is anyone out there who would like to discover more about our way of life, please don’t hesitate to contact us at either St. Clare’s Convent, Stretton Road, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9AQ or www.franciscanvocations.org.uk
Knights of St. Columba
Why did I join the Knights of St. Columba? Well, I’m not overly religious, just an ordinary practising Catholic. However, I felt it was about time I did something to make my faith ‘more real’ so to speak.
I was 31 years of age and felt that I now had the inclination to ‘get involved’ and what was more to the point, I now had time; my children were approaching their ‘teen-hood’ so if I was to be out one or two nights a month it would not be too much of a strain on my family.
I was at a parish meeting where we had a visit from a member of the Knights. He was ‘touting’ for helpers for the Christian Aid week - door to door collectors and the like. His little talk gave me food for thought!
Later, I collared the Knight and asked him some pertinent questions, like, ”Who are you and what do you do?” The information he gave me certainly made me think. I found out about everything the Knights got up to, from Catholic Action to moral issues, from assisting the clergy to social activities and then the friendship element.
We are a “Fraternal Organisation” he had said. I found that with one organisation I could fully get involved in what I was interested in and give them some of my expertise. The family became a ‘member’ as well because of the diverse social activities we got up to.
That was 35 years ago and I have never regretted a day. Although 30 odd years ago times were different there is still a need in today’s world for the Order of the Knights of St. Columba and I, among others, will be there.
Caritas Christi
God was calling me to give my life to him as a layperson living where I was, but how could I fulfil his will? I discovered ‘Secular Institutes’.
One of these, Caritas Christi, an international secular institute for women, ended my search. Imagine my excitement at finding an institute that answered so perfectly the call within me. After a period of discernment followed by formation and temporary commitment (eight years), I said my ‘yes’ to God forever.
Members of Caritas Christi make a commitment for life to be totally given to God. Out of love, they choose to live a celibate life dedicating their love in its completeness to God, the Church and all people. Their service is given in the circumstances of their everyday lives - home and work - while remaining lay people.
What a great joy, responding to God’s love in a way of life that embraces me so fully where I am in my surroundings, my neighbourhood, with my abilities, weaknesses, my whole being and supported by other members living the same vocation!
If you would like more information and are single or widowed and under 50 then please contact us.
Priesthood and Prison Chaplaincy
How to articulate a true vocation to the priesthood? Virtually impossible.
Our Lord’s call goes beyond words, often beyond logic; yet words and logic are often all we can use – so here goes.
Urges, resonances stir deep deep down in our being, prompting us in a certain direction in life. We just know, it makes sense, it fits.
It may cost, but we know it is right. If we never try, we’ll never know. Feelings reinforced during 15 years of working with people with special needs. And it’s right, so amazingly fulfilling.
As prison chaplain; to be a man of humanity, enabling faith, dignity, compassion and forgiveness are all required, all leading to immense trust - it’s so powerful. Set apart from the judicial system, we bring God’s mercy, without judgement (that’s the system’s job), and so offer these men a new lease of life.
Listening and supporting the men in facing the consequences of their actions, showing God’s continual patience, demanding at times, but what a privilege.
Inspiration and ministry in the priesthood work two ways. I am certainly inspired and ministered to by so many of those I minister to.
Christian Brother
What is a Religious Brother?
I am a Christian Brother and have spent most of my life as a teacher in English schools. Today, Christian Brothers like me are working in mainline schools; with marginalized children; with those in need of basic education in Third World countries; and with street-children and victims of war in Africa.
I’m often asked: What is a Brother? It is not just a title. What is striking about the term brother is that it is relational. For me, the life of a Brother is about a relationship with God through prayer; with my brothers living in my community; and with those whom I serve in my ministry.Our title brother excludes distinction or hierarchy among us. Our presence among people is as brother to others. You can’t spell brother without spelling ‘other’. To be brothers for the church is to live and proclaim the relationship we all have with Jesus as our brother.
Are you feeling a quiet but persistent tug towards something you can’t quite name? You may be looking for something, but have little or no idea what. That is what happened to me all those years ago. I encourage you to heed that call. It may be from God!
Email:
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Websites: www.christianbrothers.org.uk www.edmundclt.org
The Society of Franciscan Pilgrims
SFP is a modern Roman Catholic Society whose members feel called to take seriously Jesus' words "May you all be ONE" by consecrating their lives to praying and working for Christian Unity.
The community welcomes enquiries from women or men, married or single, young or mature. It enables VOWS or PROMISES to be made in an environment where a deeper Christian calling can be lived at home, alone or in a group.
The vision and life-style of SFP reflect flexibility in a changing world, individuality and personal commitment to Gospel values lived out with a special focus on Franciscan concerns
The Calling and Mission of the Society of Franciscan Pilgrims is:
* A desire for a deeper Christian commitment by personal consecration to Jesus Christ.
* To co-operate with Jesus' call from the gospel to His disciples to be 'ONE' by praying/working for Christian Unity...'so the world might believe.'
* To be continually inspired and renewed by the Word of God and the guidance and teaching of the Catholic Church.
* To reflect in their lives the spirituality, and the concerns, of the Franciscan tradition, such as reconciliation, peace, justice, the poor and the environment.
For further information and address please contact the society on 01635 552240.
RETURN TO TESTIMONIES
ORDERS
Missionary and Social Justice
Although all those engaged in a religious life are missionaries, this refers to those explicitly on missions abroad or at home. As well as spreading the word of God, they are also involved in social justice issues, helping to alleviate the plight of the poor and marginalised.
Contemplative
Religious orders committed to living a life of seclusion from the world. The members are engaged in prayer, study and manual work.
Lay Associations
Varying in their rules and outlook, Lay Associations are engaged in a variety of activities. The members commit their lives to God and form a community by meeting regularly. However, they continue to live in their own homes, following various career paths.
Teaching and Caring
Orders devoted to teaching in a variety of scenarios; not only do members teach in primary and secondary schools, they may also be involved in adult education or helping those with special needs. Those involved in caring cover a vast spectrum, from acting as nurses to caring for orphans, the old or the handicapped.
Priesthood
The ministry of the priesthood is one of the most well known. Less heard of are the different forms this can take, such as prison or army chaplaincy.
