The root word for vocation is vocare, which in Latin means, “to call.” God has created each one of us for a particular calling or way to follow Him. Through the Sacrament of Baptism we become a child of God and thus called to live in holiness through love of God and neighbor. It is important to also remember that our true vocation does not come from the world, or from ourselves, but rather is an invitation directly from God to follow Him.

The process of making a decision about your life with the help of the Holy Spirit is called “discernment.” It is the process of discovering God’s will for you. Our common vocation as baptized Christians is to a life of holiness, to union with God in this life and in life eternal. Within that common vocation, some are called to a more specific way of service to God and others, such as the sacred priesthood. Remember, as you begin this process of discernment, that both you and God desire the same thing: your happiness. You want to make a decision about your life that will bring you the deep joy that comes with following God.

Do you have the courage to ask God the question that is seldom uttered in our busy world, “Lord, how are You calling me to follow You?”

Only after you are willing to ask this question can true discernment begin.