What is a vocation?

A vocation is a calling, not just an occupation. The Catholic Church considers marriage, priesthood, religious life (religious priests, sisters, and brothers), and the diaconate to be vocations, as the person takes a vow or promise. Single life, though not something one commits to with a vow, is also a way of life that can be holy. Each of these vocations is important to our faith community.

What do vocations look like at St. Ann?

The priest and deacons assume sacramental roles as well as counsel and serve the community. Deacons are specifically called to serve as ministers of charity. Those choosing marriage and single life serve their families, but they are also called to support our parish through prayer and service. In all these ways of life, God’s call is to build up society in a manner that reflects his love. 

What’s the difference between serving a religious order and a diocese?

Our parish is served by the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette,  religious order comprised of priests, brothers, and sisters, with a focus on God’s gift of reconciliation. La Salette priests are ordained by a bishop and take vows to their religious order. They are not tied to a geographic area. By contrast, diocesan priests are ot part of a religious order; they are directly connected to a particular diocese, usually for their lifetime. Catholic sisters and brothers give their lives to God through religious orders, although many also serve a diocese.

How can our parish support vocations?

   • Parishioners: pray for an increase  in vocations, especially to the  La Salette order.

   •Parents: identify opportunities to have conversations and be open to your child considering religious life.

    Bring your children to Mass. Pray together as a family.

   •Teens and young adults: prayerfully consider your life's path. Take steps to discern where God is calling you.

Prayer for Vocation and Discernment

Gracious God, you have called me to life and gifted me in many ways.

Through baptism you have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus by sharing my life and love with others.

Open my heart to listen to your deeper call. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may have a listening heart and the courage to respond to you. Lead me to choose the way of life to which you are calling me.

Enkindle in my heart the desire to make me the world a better place by serving you as a married or single person, lay minister, religious sister or brother, priest or deacon.

Help me to become all you desire me to be. Amen.

Find more ways to pray, learn more about Vocations, the La Salette Mission and more on the Vocations page of our website, st-ann.org/vocations