Vocations

Is God Calling You?

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

A vocation to service within the Church is an incredible thing that many people pass by in their life. It is easy to be concerned and consumed by our own desires and dreams, without even asking God what His plan is for our life. God has created each person with a vocation, a calling to service. One of the duties of every Christian is to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to heed to the voice of God. At times this voice can take the form of a small whisper, eventually leading one to begin the search for what will quite the restlessness of the heart. Other times these promptings can be loud and pronounced, and can take the form of people asking us questions like, “have you ever thought about being a priest,” or, “you would make a great nun.” These questions or providential stirrings in our life are not things that should be over looked and shelved for another time. God works both through our own prayer life and the people around us. If you sense God calling you to particular service in his Church and you would like to speak with someone about it, the priests at St. Stephen's Church are more than willing to help you discern God’s voice in your life.

*Here is a brief survey that could help you see if the Lord is calling you into his vineyard: http://www.vocations.com/story.html

Below are some links to websites that may help in the initial search for God’s plan for your life:

Archdiocese of St. Paul/ Minneapolis Website for Vocations:

/www.10000vocations.org/

Priesthood/ Seminary:

Fishers of Men Video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7888067787359415127#

www.10000vocations.org/priesthood.html\

www.vianney.net/

www.stthomas.edu/spssod/

www.nypriest.com/

How do I discern?

www.10000vocations.org/discern.html