What is a vocation?

"Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day again in your life”

That's pretty good advice! And it has stood the test of time. Those words come from Confucius in 500 BC!

Most people who hear it appreciate the wisdom that it contains.

A vocation in life is more than just the "job you love". It extends into other areas of our lives.

A vocation is often described as a call from God. In a sense, it is how we answer the question, “What is the meaning of my life?"

The word “vocation” comes from the Latin word, to call. But God’s call is not something which can be heard with our ears. And it is unlikely that there will be a bolt of lightning from on high.

Instead, we discover our vocations by prayer and by being aware of the people and events of our lives.

Figuring out one’s vocation in life is a tough task but it is the key to answering the question, “what will I do with my life? ”

Discovering your Vocation provides tips on the discernment process which helps one to discern a vocation.

Vocation: Witness, Love, Service

All Christians experience the “universal call to holiness”. We receive this at our baptism and it is a call to be a witness to the Gospel.
We must then decide how this vocation is expressed in terms of how we serve others, e.g. teaching, nursing.
Thirdly, we must discern how we love, whether that be as a married person or as a celibate person.

Words of Wisdom

“If Jesus calls you, do not be afraid to respond to Him with generosity. Trust in Him and you will not be disappointed!”
Pope Benedict XVI

“When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ, who gives you the meaning of life.

When you wonder what it means to be a mature person, look to Christ, who is the fullness of humanity.

And when you wonder about your role in the future of the world, look to Christ.”
Servant of God, Pope John Paul II