Vocations
How can I Know if I am Being Called? :: Discernment :: Prayer for Vocations

How can I Know if I am Being Called?
Sr. Marie Redig SSND
Archdiocese of Regina

God Calls Each One

First of all, let it be clear that God calls each one of us.

People who choose to marry are answering God's call in response to each other just as truly as a person who enters consecrated life or the priesthood.

People who choose the single state are responding to God's call and, contrary to the opinion of some, not just waiting or hoping for a lifetime partner.

Those who may be wondering about a call to religious life or the priesthood might be asking "How do I know God is calling me?"

God's invitation is gentle and persistent. God is like a challenging and growing friend. God's first call is only the beginning of what can grow into a deep and lasting relationship.

When a friend keeps arranging for a time together, you have no doubt about that friend's interest in you. When you are aware of thoughts over and over that suggest giving your life to God in a special way, that is God's invite to follow. The more frequent and persistent the thoughts are, the more you can be sure of God's part in them.

Basically and usually, God works through the principle of attraction. You may feel drawn to consecrated life in one way while someone else experiences the pull in a totally different way. God uses many avenues to attract, but you respond according to your unique personality and gifts. One person finds the lifestyle of community very inviting. Another finds delight in meeting and knowing people who live the religious life and wishes to model on them. Someone else becomes absorbed in the ideals and purpose of a group through a study of its founder (ess), special work and charism for the church. Still another independently desires to give of self to God more fully in serving God's people. Ultimately, all of these attractions become a part of the whole in one who answers God's call.

Often there will be initial resistance to a vocation. You may be afraid or reluctant to leave behind what you know. You like what you have and feel secure in what is yours. And yet, God with persistence, gently tugs at your heart and urges you to let go until you trust enough to put your hand into God's and take the first step into the unknown.

You may feel uncertain about a vocation to consecrated life because you thoroughly enjoy friendships with the opposite sex and, perhaps, you'd like to be a parent someday. What you need to understand is that friendships with both sexes are a normal and healthy part of life and necessary for a well balanced consecrated life.

The person committed to God must have the same qualifications that make a good parent. The ideals of self-donation are basically the same but the means are different.

God's desire for you is always one of fulfillment, peace, and joy.

God and the things of God's heart must be the attractions drawing your heart.

God invites you to communicate within a prayerful relationship, to lovingly relate with other people, to concern yourself with the poor, to give yourself in dedicated service to the church, and to have constant readiness to listen and carry on God's plan of creation as spoken in the signs of our times.

How do you know God is calling you? It happens over a period of time, gently and persistently. Your heart turns toward God and you search for what God is saying. If you listen and hear, the message comes clearer and you know.

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Discernment

Discernment is a process of listening and attentiveness to God's call, wherever that might lead. Discerning a call to the priesthood is often a long process, and is rarely an easy decision. It is a process that is best supported by a rich life of prayer, and fostered through consultation and guidance by trusted advisors such as priests, spiritual directors, and chaplains.

On this website you will find prayers and reflections to use in this listening process. A serious commitment to prayer is essential to this process, as is taking time out from daily life for reflection on one's goals and life path. Those who are interested in pursuing this call further are encouraged to contact the Director of Vocations, Fr. Liborio Amaral, either by telephone at 416-968-0997, or by email.

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A Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus, as You once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound. Come, follow Me! Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to Your voice. Support our bishops, priests and consecrated people in their apostolic labour. Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to Your service. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say "Yes" to the Lord Who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation.
Amen

Pope John Paul II

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