The word “vocation” comes from the Latin VOCARE, which means “to call.” A vocation to the priesthood, religious life, marriage or single life is a faith response made by a person having been called by God. This call is always experienced as an invitation. The invitation attracts our attention and we end up finding ourselves spending a lot of time reflecting on the possibility of our response. The invitation is freely given and also freely responded to; God never pushes or demands. We are called and left free to respond.

To enter into this invitation seriously is called discernment. This is the period of time when a person makes a serious examination of their personal invitation. Discernment is a period of time that usually contains the following elements: questions, doubts, prayer, joy, wonderment, amazement, search, grace, sharing and growth. Each person experiences discernment uniquely, yet in many respects, each shares similar experiences. At the end of discernment comes decision; the moment when a person knows that they now must make their personal response..

If you feel that you are being called to be a sister, brother or priest, give it serious thought and prayer. You never know, God may be calling you. How will you respond? What is your vocation?

For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, click here

For more information about vocations in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, click here.

PLEASE CONTACT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE VOCATIONS OFFICE AT 410-547-5426 FOR MORE INFORMATION.