What is a Vocation?
The term “vocation” means each person is called by God to holiness of life and eternal life. Catholic spirituality is founded on the idea that each person or soul is created by God and called to holiness of life, that is: oneness with God, by developing the gifts that God has given and becoming the person that God intends them to be. Each person is also called more specifically to the priesthood in service to the Church; or in marriage, a vocation of service to the Church in a covenant relationship with a spouse for the purpose nurturing a family and mutual and life- long support. Still others are called to Consecrated Religious Life and many are also called to a single or solitary life to promote the ‘Kingdom of God” with a profession in the world as a lay person.
Is God calling you to the Married Life?
Christian Marriage is, of course, the ordinary call to most people. Still others are called to priesthood, Consecrated Religious life or the single life, lived with a spirit of dedication to holiness and Christian Service. In the long history of the Church, marriage, priesthood, and Consecrated Religious life have always been bound by certain traditions and canonical obligations, but the centuries and the cultures of society have called men and women to many and distinct expression of Religious Life and the priesthood too has adapted itself in many ways as the Church needed to adapt to modern society.
Is God calling you to the Priesthood or Consecrated Life?
More can be found about various forms of Religious Life on the Internet. For specific information about the Capuchin-Franciscan Order, whose members serve St. Joseph Parish, please consult one of the parish priests or visit our Vocation website. You can also call directly to Father Tom Betz, OFM. Cap, our current vocation director. For information about the Diocesan Priesthood call Father Raymond LaVoi at 717-657- 4804 x282 or visit the Diocesan Vocations Office website.
Information about many Communities of Sisters and Nuns can also be found on the internet. Communities of Brothers, non-ordained, Consecrated men can also be found on the Web by searching for Catholic Communities of Brothers.
Vocation Links