Living a religious vocation is a mystery, and determining a vocation is difficult. God respects our individuality and freedom, and therefore discernment can and should be a gradual discovery. God wants us to freely choose our vocation, whatever it may be; therefore, some basic questions should be pondered:
- Do I actively and joyfully practice my Catholic faith?
- Do I desire a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
- Do I enjoy working with people from all walks of life?
- Does the life of St. Francis enliven me?
- Does the Gospel message excite me?
- Am I searching for a way to share my gifts and talents with others?
- Do I sense a call from God to some specific walk of life, but I’m not quite sure?
If you have said yes to some of these questions, you should:
- Pray for understanding of God’s word in your life.
- Have a personal meeting with one of the vocation staff to ask questions and get feedback. (No strings attached!)
- Speak to a priest, deacon, sister, brother or lay person experienced in the spiritual life to help you discern.
- Get involved in your parish community in forms of service.
- Become part of the Capuchin Discernment Program.
- Keep in touch with the friars; visit and speak with them often!
The potential candidate for religious life must be one who can live in fraternity and be committed to community life. While living in a community can be an absolute joy, it requires serious adjustments in lifestyle. Renouncing material goods is not easy in today’s world. Community living involves compromising and sharing and dialoguing, trying to come to mutual understanding and acceptance of each member of the community.
"If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24
"Sell what you have, give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me." Matthew 19:21
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