The word vocation comes from a Latin word meaning “to call”.

In ordinary everyday language it can mean just our job or occupation, but when we are looking at things from the background of faith, it usually is understood to be the call that God gives us through our Baptism to grow to become like Jesus Christ – to share his life and love, to be holy and to offer our gifts and talents in the service of God and for the benefit of other people.

In the Catholic Church, there are four main states of life which a person can follow in responding to the invitation that God gives:

• that of a single person
• a married person
• a member of a religious congregation (sister, brother, priest)
• that of an ordained minister i.e. a priest or deacon

• Knowing my vocation

  Knowing my vocation

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  We get to know people by spending time with them. It is the same with God. By making space for God in our lives and listening for God’s voice speaking through experiences which touch us deeply within ourselves as well as those which come from outside ourselves, it is possible to start a conversation with God.

  Through prayer, the Scriptures, the sacraments, the advice of significant people and the acts of service we perform for others, we can meet Jesus Christ. We can become conscious of God’s Spirit moving in our lives and start to become more clear about what is right for us in answering God’s call, even if we encounter some times of confusion and challenge.

  Reaching a sense of peace and joy usually is a sign of reassurance.
  

• Who can help me?

  Who can help me?

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  To make a good decision, we need to enlist God’s help and especially open ourselves to the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.

  Gathering information and prayerfully considering the options with their positives and negatives can help narrow down the field, if the range of choices seems wide. People who know us well, such as family and friends, as well as people already involved in the vocation that attracts us in conjunction with mentors, spiritual directors and people from the Archdiocesan Vocations Office may be able to offer advice and support in the enquiries and the discernment we seek to make.

  The Archdiocesan vocations office will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your vocation.