In your work as parish vocation ministers, you may need to know what a word means so that all involved in the ministry have a common understanding. Here is a collection of some of the “vocation” terms you may come across.
From the Latin “vocare” meaning to call; by virtue of baptism each is given a special mission in life to serve the Kingdom of God; living out this call (way of life) and mission faithfully leads us to holiness.
Process of discovering through prayer, reflection and discussion what that call and mission in life is- whether as a priest, a consecrated religious, a married person or a single person.
The church considers vocations to priesthood, consecrated life, married life and the dedicated single life as the states of life; through discernment one state is chosen.
Generally considered all those not ordained or a member of a religious community; vast number of the faithful with an important role in the church. “Now the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth.” Lumen Gentium
Sacrament by which a man becomes a member of the ordained clergy - deacons, priests and bishops; it is by nature permanent; enables mission entrusted by Christ to Apostles to continue in the Church through the laying on of hands.
Man is ordained for ministry, but not to the priesthood; assists at Mass, baptizes and presides at weddings and funerals; have jobs outside the Church to make a living; men at least 35 years of age, married or single, may be ordained permanent deacons.
The final stage of formation before being ordained a priest; usually serve as deacons for one year before ordination to the priesthood while continuing their studies and serving in parish assignments.
Man ordained to priesthood through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Diocesan priest is called to serve the people of a particular diocese; live the spirit of the counsels by promising to live in celibate chastity, obedience to their bishop and a simple life. Men called to be religious order priests belong to communities and also take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
To create a culture of vocations in the parish, all parishioners should know that by virtue of their baptism that they are called to be holy and have a vocation, a mission for the Kingdom of God. From this realization, will come involved laity, faithful married couples, prayerful families, and an increase in vocations to priesthood, permanent diaconate, and consecrated life for service to God’s people. Each person in your parish has a vocation. As you prepare your parish report, have you done any of the following activities in your parish? This is not an exhaustive list but a guide to the activities in your parish. Please tell us about all activities that you have done to create a vocation-friendly parish environment.