God's Call

First of all, welcome to all of the confusion that most people have when they are trying to find God’s vocation for them. Parents have their ideas. The school pushes certain careers and not others. Classmates usually don’t encourage. You might seem alone in your thoughts and in your muddle. Confusion is part of the thinking--welcome it.

If you are like most, you will be divided in your desire to get married and have a family and the desire to serve God in a single life. This conflict is present for a reason. You have to think about it. You have to be at peace with whatever decision you make. A vocation to priesthood/religious life is a choice between two good things. God will show you the best for you even though sometimes you have strong feelings for the opposite way.

Be careful of counting yourself out before you let God count you in. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling you are not holy enough, not smart enough, not outgoing enough to be good at a religious vocation. Let God decide the qualities he wants. Be willing to give the good you have, and hand over the bad to God’s power to make you a gift to others.

Pay attention to your own relationship to God. Many youth know that they have a special relationship with God that goes back over years. It might have been an up and down relationship, but it always came back. Many youth know that they have been blessed with strong faith and a good conscience. They know that they want to be somebody of significance and leadership. Notice these signs in your life.

Get some help. Vocations do not develop on their own. They need help. A friend who is thinking about a religious vocation is super important. You will be able to share with them your own heart and willingness to serve God. They will be of great help. Belonging to a vocation prayer group is also valuable. Visit seminaries or convents. Pray hard, receive the Eucharist often, pray each day. Ask Mary to help you.