Vocations

Every person has a unique God-given calling for their life which helps them to live out the great commandments to love God and to love others. Many are called to love generously through the vocation of marriage and family life. However, some are called to imitate the life of Jesus Christ more closely by consecrating their whole lives to the building of the Kingdom and becoming a lifelong sign of His loving presence in the world. In the Church we often call this a religious vocation. For men, this includes becoming a priest, deacon, or religious brother, and for women this includes becoming a consecrated religious sister or nun.

A religious vocation is meant to be a life of joy, fulfillment, and abiding friendship with God. A vocation always begins with God’s invitation and is always sustained by His loving grace.

Signs that one may have a religious vocation include:

• A generosity of the heart to serve God and His Church
• A desire for a strong prayer life and a growing intimacy with the Lord
• A love for the Eucharist and Mary
• A feeling that the world alone does not bring lasting happiness
• A joy for helping others experience God’s love in their lives

To learn more about vocations and some of the available opportunities for vocational discernment, please visit the Diocese of Manchester’s vocation page.

If you feel that God might be calling you to explore religious life or the priesthood, do not be afraid! We never discern our vocations alone. Please contact Father David at 603-882-0632 or Diocese of Manchester Vocations Director Father Matt Mason at 603-669-3100 or mmason@rcbm.org