This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is also called Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We see in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the heart of every calling. He says, “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The mission of Jesus culminated in his self-sacrificing love. He gave himself so that we might live. We are invited then as a Church to publicly pray for and promote vocations in all its forms. We believe God calls individuals to fulfill certain roles in the Church, both for their own holiness, and the good of the entire Body of Christ.
Holiness is our common goal. It is everyone’s primary vocation. Holiness means trying to be like Jesus. It means being a “whole” person: striving for virtue, avoiding sin, and living a life of love. After the decision to follow Christ and seriously pursue holiness, your vocation is the most important decision in life.
Marriage. Most people are called to marriage - to wholeheartedly love their spouses and to joyfully welcome children. The purpose of marriage is for a man and woman to help each other get to heaven, and to teach their children to do the same. Like any vocation, marriage must be discerned, not assumed. Consecrated Life. Both men and women can join religious orders such as the La Salettes, Jesuits, Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, etc. The life and work of religious orders varies greatly. Some are primarily devoted to reconciliation and prayer. Others work actively in schools, hospitals, orphanages, etc. Common to all religious orders are the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Priesthood. Priests bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus through preaching and the sacraments. Priests are very active as they counsel people, teach classes, prepare homilies, administer parishes, and much more. Many surveys show that priests are among the happiest people in the world! Deacons, too, share in the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Dedicated Single Life. Some people serve God as single people, without marrying or making special vows. While not a “vocation” in a strict theological sense, single people “contribute greatly to the good of the human family” (CCC 2231). “Some live their situation in the spirit of the Beatitudes, serving God and neighbor in exemplary fashion” (CCC 1658). There are many single people who serve the Church with incredible generosity.
While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries and consecrated life, mainly due to the decline in numbers in recent years. Parents, if your child expresses interest in the priesthood or religious life, be supportive. If you’re excited, don’t push too hard. If you’re apprehensive, trust in God’s plan. The best thing you can say is, “Whatever God wants for you, I want for you, too.” Please help your children in their discernment.