The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare which means “to call.” Each and every one of us has a vocation, or “a call” from God, but for some this call is to a consecrated way of life set apart from the world.
God may be calling you to a vocation as a priest or to a religious order. Responding to this call can fill your life with much joy and many blessings but can also be an intimidating decision. In the words of St. John Paul II, “Be not afraid!”
Consider taking these small steps to begin discerning where God is calling you:
- Pray daily
- Attend Mass regularly and reflect on the Scripture readings
- Have sincere conversations with friends, family, and mentors
- Participate in your parish community
- Serve in outreach ministries
- Talk to your pastor or spiritual director
- Explore different consecrated ways of life
- Reach out to the Diocesan Vocations Director
- Hear the advice of our seminarians for men discerning their call in the video link below:
Meet our Seminarians
Get to know the men currently preparing for priestly ministry in the Diocese of Gaylord.
Click here to read their stories and listen to them share about their journey of discernment.
Responding to the Call
If you are ready to discuss your potential call to a life of ministry, reach out to the Vocations Director Rev. Benjamin Rexroat. The Vocations Director seeks to assist people in discerning and supporting their call to the ministry within the Church, especially regarding priesthood or religious life. The Office of Vocations coordinates a variety of activities to help men discern their call, including seminary visits, social group outings with seminarians and priests and one-on-one visits with priests or the bishop.
For more information on responding to God's call, contact the vocations team at vocations@dioceseofgaylord.org or 989-705-3521.
