"We all have a vocation. We believe that God has called us to this state in life to fill a special need that no one else can accomplish."
-St. Francis de Sales
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At baptism, we become part of the Christian life. To be Christian means that we choose to live and believe the way Jesus lived, loved and prayed. Every Christian has a vocation to make a world of difference by living the Gospel in his own time. Living as a priest or brother is one way to witness with your life to the love, justice and compassion of Jesus Christ.
The vocation to priesthood or religious life has its own specific signs, qualities, characteristics, and skills - but discernment begins with desire.
If religious life as a priest or brother is something you desire to
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learn more about, don't shy away. The desire you have to learn more might be the Holy Spirit nudging you to take a closer look.
"If any of you hear the Lord's inner call to give yourselves completely to him in
order to love him 'with an undivided heart' (cf. 1 Cor 7:34), do not be held back by
doubts or fears. Say 'yes' with courage and without reserve, trusting him who is
faithful to his promises. Did he not assure those who had left everything for his
sake that they would have a 'hundredfold in this life and eternal life hereafter'?
(Cf. Mk 10:29-30)." -Pope John Paul II
Here are a few suggestions to help you with your discernment:
Prayer. You might want to spend some time in prayer and Scripture reading seeking God's
love, light, and direction in your life. Consider asking others to pray with and for
you.
Parish Life. Participating in Sunday Eucharist and other parish activities may allow you to
deepen your spiritual life as you become aware of the needs of others and respond
to them in love and generosity.
Learn. Getting to know and visiting the diocese, seminary, religious community formation
program of the particular group that attracts you to assist in clarifying desire,
motivation, fitness, etc. may allow you to begin feeling "at home" with this vocation
and this particular community or diocese.
Self-Assessment. It may be helpful to examine how you are (or are not) using and developing your
God-given talents (academic, social, emotional, physical) for the service to others.
Consider doing volunteer service and apostolic work with others to experience the life
of ministry.
Love. The urgency to do ministry comes from within, from the love that we each profess for
Christ. Without a true love for Christ and your neighbor no one can be an authentic
disciple.
Some people are invited - individually and personally, as Jesus did with his Apostles - to dedicate their lives entirely to His work by living out a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
If you feel being an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales may be your vocation, we invite you to contact us. Although the decision to follow a religious vocation is a personal one, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in your discernment.
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