In the simplest terms, “vocation” means a “call.” So, in general terms our vocation is what God calls us to do with our lives. Everybody is called by God to know, love and serve him. The difference is how each one does this.
Individual vocations vary between being single, married, consecrated, religious or a priest. We usually use “vocation” to mean a call to the consecrated, religious or priestly life, but the principles and much of the advice are also applicable to the married and the single life.
In the one life God gives us to live, we have one overriding purpose, to fulfill the will of God, because this is the key to our true destiny, eternal happiness. God gives each one of us a particular mission in life. As we grow and life progresses, God makes it known to us, usually in indirect ways, more as an invitation than an imposition. Discovering and ultimately following our vocation brings us the true happiness that comes from a sense of fulfillment and meaning that derives from answering our vocational call. Answering that call also gives the greatest glory and praise to our Creator. It is what we were meant to do.
“Take up your cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).
Holy Cross Parish was founded by the priests and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. In addition, 173 Holy Cross Sisters taught at Holy Cross School between 1929 and 1984. To this very day, Holy Cross Parish continues to be ministered to by the dedicated religious of this same congregation who live in community, gather daily for communal prayer and meals, and minister in the parish. The Holy Cross Sisters, Brothers and Priests invite young people to dare: dare to pray for your vocation. Dare to ask, “Am I called?“ Dare to dream. Our Holy Cross religious and the priests of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend need your help to feed the spiritual hunger and thirst of God’s children. Will you?
Prayer for Vocations
Merciful and holy Lord, continue to send new laborers into the harvest of your Kingdom! We turn to you, Lord, in trust!
Son of God, sent by the Father to the men and women of every time and of every part of the earth! We call upon you through Mary, your Mother and ours: may the Church not lack in vocations, especially those dedicated in a special way to your Kingdom.
Jesus, only Saviour of mankind! We pray to you for our brothers and sisters who have answered “yes” to your call to the priesthood, to the consecrated life and to the missions. May their lives be renewed day by day, to become a living Gospel.
Merciful and holy Lord, continue to send new laborers into the harvest of your Kingdom! Assist those whom you call to follow you in our day; contemplating your face, may they respond with joy to the wondrous mission that you entrust to them for the good of your People and of all men and women.
You who are God and live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
– Pope Saint John Paul II