Catholic Career Advice: Vocations

Let's face it. Each year, millions of young men and women graduate from an educational institution and enter an extremely competitive job market. What they find are employers seeking to hire only the best among them. Also, they are vying for those few openings along with millions of others who in addition to their education have years of on-the-job experience and training--especially from among those who have been recently laid off due to the economic crisis. Many have sought positions lower than their qualifications just to secure some form of employment, which in turn displaces those desiring entry-level positions. Finding a job seems an impossible feat nowadays.

"With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Each and every one of us has a calling. This is known as a "Vocation." It is how we are to serve God while we are here on Earth. We can be doctors who heal our brothers and sisters. We can be policemen, soldiers, or firefighters who protect our communities. Or, we can also be janitors who maintain the cleanliness of our environs. Many are called to the married life--to bring more people to the Lord. Others are called to a single life of chastity. But no matter what we are called to do, our purpose is to sanctify our work and dedicate it to God.

And yes, many of us are also called to a different path. One that is difficult to walk because it requires major sacrifices: the renunciation of all worldly desires and the giving of the entire self for the betterment of others. These are the select few called to a religious vocation.

Many don't yet know how to listen for that special call; many have also tried to ignore it, wishing for an easier path to holiness. But eventually, God's will be done. Perhaps this economic crisis and oversaturated job market will prove to be a blessing for them--make it that spark that gets the called to open their eyes to this path set aside for them. And once they're ready to surrender to His will and make that first step, they will find themselves at this precipice: how does He want me to serve Him? Since God doesn't exactly put out Classified Ads in the paper, let us do it for Him.

Priests. Full time. Seeking single, practical Catholic men to administer the Sacraments. Must be of mental and physical aptitude to perform his duties. Will be required to complete several years of schooling (at least a four year college degree plus a master's degree in divinity from a seminary) and subjected to psychological evaluation. Must be at least 25 years old at time of Ordination. Ability to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. Contact your local diocese's or an Order's vocations director for further information.

Sisters/Nuns. Full-time. Open to single, practical Catholic females without obligations to family or children. Age and education requirements depend on the Order. Opportunities include community-based (Sisters) or cloistered (Nuns), ministries in helping the poor, teaching in schools, or prayer and contemplation. Formation process of several years required prior to taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Most welcome interested women to spend time with them prior to joining. Contact the vocations director of the Order.

Brothers/Monks. Full-time. Open to single, practical Catholic males without obligations to family or children. Age and education requirements depend on the Order. Opportunities include community-based (Brothers) or cloistered (Monks), ministries in helping the poor, teaching in schools, or prayer and contemplation. Formation process of several years required prior to taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Most welcome interested men to spend time with them prior to joining. Contact the vocations director of the Order.

Missionaries. Full time, temporary work for men and women. Travel required. Often hazardous working conditions. Most have an age requirement (must be adults over 18, sometimes 21), free from financial or familial obligations at home and a length of time commitment (anywhere from several weeks to several years). Psychological and physical aptitude, medical check-up required. Will live in a community of clergy and other missionaries performing service work for the needy. Will have basic necessities provided through charitable donations. Contact your local parish for information or search on-line.

Oblates. Part-time/Freelance/Work-at-home for adult men and women, single or married. Continue living a normal life and working your current job while ascribed to the rule of a Monastic Order. Usually one year as an Oblate Novice is required prior to Final Oblation to the Order; transferring to a different Order is granted with permission and one need not repeat the process. Promises to serve God under the guidance of the Order's Rule is required, along with monthly meetings and scheduled retreats. Contact your local monastery for further information.

Permanent Deacon. Part-time, but must have steady regular employment. Minister of the Word and Sacrament under direction of Bishop and in cooperation with Priests. Practical Catholic male, 35 years old at time of Ordination, high school diploma (college degree preferred). Open to married men with stable families; if single or become single, vow of celibacy required. Psychological evaluation and interviews (wife and children may need to participate). Five years of academic and spiritual formation. Vow of obedience to the Bishop. See your parish pastor to begin the process.

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