The root word for vocation is vocare, which is Latin for "to call".  God calls each one of us to live out a specific destiny through our baptism.Before you were conceived in your mother's womb I set you aside." This is God telling us is that he had something in mind for us when he gave us the gift of life, or rather even from before he gave us the gift. Something he wants us to be, and something he wants us to do. This is God's plan.  

 It is important to remember that a true vocation is an invitation from God to assume some responsibility to share in the mission of the Church.  God may be calling you as a priest; a nun or a deacon.  He may also be calling you as a lay minister in y our parish; in marriage and parenthood; or life as a single person.  God's call to us is as unique as we are.

God does not force himself onto us.  He will gently nudge and urge us on to the path that we must go.  Will you hear some loud rumble from the heavens followed by God's thunderous voice telling you what you must do, probably not? But through prayer, you can listen intently to Him, open up your heart, and hear His call to you.

For help with finding your vocation:

• Go to the Prayers for Discernment page
• Click here for the Archdiocese of Detroit's page on vocations
• Click here for a Discernment Checklist.

"I can assure you that no other happiness is authentic, no other happiness is lasting - the only happiness that is lasting and the only joy that is authentic is to find that you are fulfilling God's will for you. This is so because if you are doing what God wants it means there is love in your heart, and love unites us to him, and union with God gives us peace. If there is no peace there can be no authentic happiness. People are set on trying to find happiness by letting their passions run free. They think that if they satisfy their pride, self-love and sensuality they will be happy, but when they turn around they find their hands are empty. Only God gives happiness because only God, your love for him, your union with him will bring peace to your soul." 

                                                      --Fr. Maciel, founder of the Legionaries