Vocations
To Teach, Shepherd, and Serve the People of God
God calls each of us to a unique mission in life. For some, that call is to the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life, serving Christ and His Church in a special way.
A vocation is more than a career. It is a response to God’s love and an offering of one’s whole life in service. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the state of life which constitutes for the person a vocation is always rooted in the will of God” (CCC 1603).
Whether you feel drawn to parish ministry, missionary work, or a contemplative life of prayer, the first step is listening for the voice of the Lord and opening your heart to His plan.
Our Vocations Office is here to help you discern, offering guidance, prayer, and support as you seek to follow the call that will lead you to holiness and joy.
The Priesthood
Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a priest is configured to Christ in a way that allows Him to work through the priest’s ministry (CCC 1548).
His life is given in service to God’s people (CCC 1547), leading them in worship, proclaiming the Gospel, and bringing them the grace of the sacraments. In every part of his ministry, the priest points beyond himself to Christ, the true Shepherd.
For more information about discerning a vocation to the priesthood or formation in our diocesan seminaries, click the links below.
Permanent Diaconate
Permanent deacons are ordained ministers called to serve in the Church’s life and mission (CCC 1569). They assist at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, preach, and lead works of charity, often while continuing in family and professional life.
Rooted in service, the diaconate reflects Christ’s example of humility and reminds the Church that every vocation is a call to love and serve others.
Consecrated Life
Those in consecrated life commit themselves fully to God through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience (CCC 914).
Whether in religious communities or as consecrated individuals, they live a life of prayer, service, and witness to the Gospel. Their vocation points the whole Church toward its ultimate calling to belong entirely to Christ.
Holy Matrimony
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and woman are joined in a lifelong covenant of love that reflects Christ’s union with His Church (CCC 1601).
Through their vows, they become a sign of God’s faithful love, helping each other grow in holiness and welcoming new life. Their marriage is both a personal vocation and a mission, serving God through their love for one another and their family.
Dedicated Single Life
Some are called to remain single, offering their time, talents, and love fully to God and others.
This vocation is lived through service in the Church, in the community, and in daily work, bearing witness to the Gospel in every part of life. Rooted in baptism, the dedicated single life is a generous response to God’s call to holiness.
Vocations Discernment
God has a unique plan for every life, calling each person to love and serve in a particular way. Consecration means setting your life apart for Him, whether through priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, marriage, or dedicated single life.
Discovering your vocation begins with prayer, listening to God’s Word, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual mentors.
The Catechism reminds us that “the state of life which constitutes for the person a vocation is always rooted in the will of God” (CCC 1603). Discernment is not a single moment but a journey of trust, asking God, “Where are You calling me?” and following where He leads.
What Do Priests Do?
- Celebrate Mass and the sacraments
- Preach the Gospel
- Hear confessions and grant absolution
- Provide pastoral care and counseling
- Teach and guide the faithful
- Lead parish ministries and programs
- Visit the sick and homebound
- Offer spiritual direction
- Administer parish operations
- Represent Christ to the community
Start an Application
Information coming soon.