VOCATIONS
Go to Confession. Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, "The soul is the window through which we can see God and hear his voice:” If sin dirties the window, it's hard to hear God's call. To effectively discern your vocation, seek forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession. Then, with a clean heart, ask Jesus to show you His will.
Attend Mass, daily if possible. "The Eucharist is truly and really Jesus Christ. It is his full presence. There is no greater treasure on the face of this earth. Make Mass the center of your life and you will grow in the conscious encounter with Christ. After receiving Christ in holy Communion, enjoy his presence, share your burdens with him, tell him you give him permission
Attend Adoration. There is an undeniable link between Eucharistic adoration and discernment. Three-quarters of new priests and religious say they regularly attended adoration. In silence before Jesus, ask him to show you his will.
Pray Daily. Prayer is a conversation with God, not just saying prayers, but speaking to the Lord from your heart. Every day, read the Bible and talk with Jesus as a close friend. Ask him to reveal his plan for you: "Jesus, I want to want what you want. Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.”
Find a Place of Formation. Do not wander into an environment of "deformation" that brings you down spiritually. Instead, choose to hang around people and places that offer Christian formation, where you can grow in holiness and virtue.
Gather Good Information. Seek out good books, videos, and web sites to help you understand each vocation. Do your very best to learn the art of discernment.
Go on Retreat. Miracles happen on retreats! One of the surest ways to discover God's plan for you is to enter into silence and prayer over an extended period. Ask your diocesan Vocation Director to help you find a good retreat.
Get Involved. Every vocation is about service. Get involved with your parish as a lector or catechist. Go on a mission trip. Serve the poor! find opportunities to serve in our archdiocese at Catholic Charities www.ccaosa.org. Only when you give yourself will you find yourself.
Rely on Mary. Mary is the ultimate example of openness to the will of God. Entrust yourself to her care. Pray three Hail Mary’s every day, specifically to know your vocation and have the courage to follow it.
Seek Advice. Don't try to discern your vocation alone, without the help of the Church. Talk to a priest you trust. If you think you are called to priesthood or religious life, at some point you will need to talk with the Vocation Director. Our office can assist you finding a Spiritual Director. If you feel called to marriage, be sure to seek advice from an older person who is solid in his or her faith.
10 Ways of Discernement
Vocations: Listening for God’s Invitation
A vocation is more than a career choice or a life plan. In the Christian tradition, a vocation is a call from God, spoken quietly in the heart and confirmed through prayer, community, and the circumstances of life. It is the invitation to love in a specific way, with a specific life, for the good of others and the glory of God.
At its center, every vocation is about relationship: with God, and with the people we are sent to serve.
The Universal Vocation: Holiness
Every person is called first to holiness. This is not reserved for a few, but offered to all. Whether you are young or old, single or married, working or retired, God calls you to become fully alive in His love.
The Main Vocations in the Church
Marriage
A vocation of covenant love. In marriage, two people commit their lives to one another, building a home where faith, sacrifice, forgiveness, and joy are lived daily. It is a living sign of God’s faithful love for His people.
Priesthood
A vocation of sacramental service. Priests are called to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins, and shepherd God’s people. It is a life shaped by prayer, community, and self-gift, so that Christ may be present in the Church.
Religious Life
A vocation of radical discipleship. Men and women in religious life take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, dedicating their lives entirely to God in prayer and service. Their witness reminds the Church that God alone is enough.
Single Life
A vocation of generous availability. Some are called to live single for the Lord, offering their time, energy, and relationships in service of family, parish, and community. It is not a “waiting room” but a meaningful path of mission and love.
Discernment: Listening for the Call
Vocations are not discovered in a single moment, but discerned over time. Prayer, silence, spiritual direction, the sacraments, and honest conversation all help us recognize God’s voice.
Sometimes the call feels like peace. Sometimes it feels like restlessness. Often, it begins with a simple question: “Lord, what do You want from my life?”
At St. Leonard’s
Our parish is committed to helping every person listen for that question and respond with courage. Whether you are actively discerning or just beginning to wonder, you are not alone. The Church walks with you.
If you feel even the slightest invitation stirring in your heart, we encourage you to speak with Fr. Brian, a trusted mentor, or a spiritual director. God still calls. And He still sends.
If you feel you have a call to the priesthood, religious, consecrated life, permanent diaconate, contact Fr. Brian Garcia
Si sientes que tienes una llamada al sacerdocio, a la vida religiosa, a la vida consagrada o al diaconado permanente, contacta al P. Brian Garcia.