Signs of a Vocation

[Ace86]

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

 

[TorontoCatholic]

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

Hehe. I recognize #1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 in myself.

 

[pawel15]

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

I defenitely have all those attributes, and now that i think about it, i feel much better knowing i most likely have a calling to something which is hard to comrehend. The thought of devoting myself to Christ gives me the greatest joy.

 

[chicago]

I’m a little concerned about the focus on seeming escapism from the world. A vocation shouldn’t be an escape from something so much as a loving choice of that which is even greater.

 

[Ace86]

I’m a little concerned about the focus on seeming escapism from the world. A vocation shouldn’t be an escape from something so much as a loving choice of that which is even greater.

Catholics really don’t belong in the world. Think about what St. Paul taught about that. So don’t read into what Father Doyle is saying. Not wanting to live in the world is *not *a bad thing at all.

 

[Denae]

I recognize all of them in myself…sigh

 

[Genesis315]

Thanks for posting that–

As for the “world” it is escaping the spirit of the world, of whom Satan is prince, and freeing oneself from the bondage of worldly things–of course, while some religious do become totally shut off from the world, priests and other religious are in the world to sanctify it (while cloistered religion santify the world through their prayers and sufferages)

 

[Dispector]

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

I recognize everyone of them… particularly Number 5. I’ve been thinking about talking to a priest about it.

 

[Ace86]

I’m glad this is helping so many.

Maybe we could turn the thread into a sticky?

 

[Goblin_Taters]

I think I’ll take a shot

1. A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

Yes and No. There is a desire, when I’m out in nature, by myself, alone. I’m rarely calm in most Catholic churches, although there are some very powerful moments at TLM’s and Divine Liturgies. I can’t recall the desire on any of the retreats or pilgrimages I’ve been on.

1. A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

I’m not sure if attraction is the best word. Prayer is tough, especially when the times are difficult. But I think a growing trust in God reflected in constant prayer is apparent in my life. A longing for a hidden life? Well, I used to want to be world famous, a military hero, a great novelist, politician, etc. I’ve come to believe that a simple, family-oriented life guided by Christian principles is far superior. I desire closer union with God, although I recognize that it’s all up to God as to how and when any union occurs.

1. To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul. This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

The world is passing. The world cannot provide the Bread that only the Father can provide in his Son. Yet, I acknowledge (perhaps against the views of the Desert Fathers) that, as all creation is good, it is not a sin for Christians to “enjoy” (yes, to take pleasure) in the things of the world, so far as these enjoyments are in moderation and do not detract from one’s over-arching focus on God; and, of course, so long as these pleasures are not illegitimate.

1. A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

Sin is a real danger, and one into which it is easy to fall. Yes, the Christian should long to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world! Yet, Christians, at the same time, cannot help but sin, at least while yet in mortal flesh.

1. It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind. If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

Yes to first part, but I’m still waiting for that attraction.

1. To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

Definite yes to the first part and the beginning of the second part. I’m not sure about the “co-operate in their salvation” part. Is it God alone who saves without the mediation of human agents, or is salvation mediated through human agents? But, whatever the case, if God were to use me as a pawn to speak his Word and to administer the sacraments, I’d be cool with being that sort of vessicle.

1. To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

Yes.

1. To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

Firstly, Christ atoned for our sins. Secondly, can I really atone for others’ sins? I tend to be magnetically and irresistably drawn into the temptations I feel too weak to resist. I end up doing things I, deep down, don’t really intend to do.

1. An attraction for the state of virginity.

“Attraction” to virginity? Yikes! Respect for those who choose this state for good reason? Surely. I laud anyone who can give up all, including companionship, in order to serve the Lord. I like being alone at times, but not all the time. Then I become lonely, even when I have icons, crucifixes, statues, prayers around me; and I can no longer as effectively serve.

1. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.

There may be a peace to religious life (I wouldn’t know), but it seems to me that Christian peace is not a peace that is exclusive to monastics and priests, but can be given by God to other Christians as well. The merits and rewards of the religious life: are they necessarily any greater than those of the lay life rightly lived?

 

[Goblin_Taters]

[Continued from last post]

1. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.

A longing? No, I do not long to abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ and to suffer for him. I myself desire to sin, enjoy this world and to spurn God whenever He becomes inconvenient. But God is in control of my Christian life. I don’t know what I’d do were I ever in a dire situation of challenge to my faith, but I trust that God will give me the strength to do his will when the time comes.

1. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.

I’m not big on luxuries. Just so I can meet my necessities. I’d want, of course, much education, but not worldly education (perhaps a little too late for that! ) but rather the education that only comes from a personal knowledge of God, which comes through prayer and private encounters with the Lord.

I find it difficult to add all these. You can be the judge.

 

[freudmacher]

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

Thank you for posting this!!! I have been looking in so many places for something like this. It’s quick and to the point.

Personally I really agree to number 3 (all of them really, but 3 stands out). I own my own business. Even though I am doing extreamly well with it, I am sadened by the world which I am living. Chasing that fake money all day long. Trying to do it for God, but not seeing it.

For me, all I can see is to be a Priest. I know that’s what He wants. I just hope I do it like He is asking me to.

 

[Jart]

Wow… almost all of those apply to me. Except the attraction to virginity one. Sometimes I feel comfortable with it but the thought of being comfortable with it makes me uncomfortable. lol does that make sense? I don’t know I’m still trying to figure it out because I would like to have a family also.

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

Wow… almost all of those apply to me. Except the attraction to virginity one… I don’t know I’m still trying to figure it out because I would like to have a family also.

If you become a priest you become a father to the faithful and husband to the church. You aren’t losing the opportunity to have a family, in fact to be a priest is to have as large a family as you could ever hope for!

 

[s4angel]

Thank you soooo much who ever posted this thread… For many years I thought I was crazy.

When I was baptised into the catholic church I felt the calling but feared it as much as it attracted me. I wanted a family and the thought of never having a child of my own seemed so empty. I ignored it on purpose and chased my own dreams. God pulled me back time after time. All I did was hand him sin and instead of punishment he gave me grace after grace and blessing after blessing.

Now I know I turned away from a calling that would have given me everything I thought would be taken away… I still have the calling and I still have the fear but I can’t go on with out him. He is the only reason I live and die.

I don’t know yet what he wants from me it seems that there are to many obsticles in my path now but I have faith he will do with me what he will.

As for a testing of faith don’t be afraid. From experiance I can tell you when the time comes hold on. God only tests those he loves it makes us stronger and opens our eyes more fully to his grace and love.

 

[lovemybatman]

Re: The one about desiring conversion for someone very dear to you. Would it be better to remain involved in their life in any way you can (perhaps by marrying them? though that would NOT be the sole reason for marrying them, it would be out of love), or to escape to monastic life because of fear of falling into sin while acquainted with this dear person? Please help

 

[Sister_Rose]

Re: The one about desiring conversion for someone very dear to you. Would it be better to remain involved in their life in any way you can (perhaps by marrying them? though that would NOT be the sole reason for marrying them, it would be out of love), or to escape to monastic life because of fear of falling into sin while acquainted with this dear person? Please help

I don’t think it is for us to decide whether our staying or leaving would be better for the conversion of a particular person. God know’s what’s best. The best thing we can do, for ourselves and for others, is to follow God’s will.

 

[goforgoal]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

God bless,
goforgoal

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

2.  A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in  general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.

3.  To have a hatred of the world, a conviction of its hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul.  This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.

4.  A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to escape from the dangers and temptations of the world.

5.  It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call them; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind.  If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, through Father Lehmkulhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a divine vocation is compatible with a natural repugnance for the state.”

6.  To have zeal for souls. To realize something of the value of an immortal soul, and to desire to co-operate in their salvation.

7.  To desire to devote our whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.

8.  To desire to atone for our own sins or those of others, and to fly from the temptations which we feel too weak to resist.

9.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

10. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its spiritual helps, its peace, merit and reward.
11. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.
12. A willingness in one not having any dowry, or much education, to be received in any capacity, is a proof of a real vocation.*

I can relate to all of them, especially 5 because, for a while, I hated the idea of giving up marriage to pursue religious life. The attraction has appeared, and I want nothing but to give everything up in this world to begin to spend my time in “heaven on earth” (the cloister). I also have a great attraction to being a “house nun”, doing simple things such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. I, like St. Therese, am not a great saint. I believe everything, when done out of love, can be a worthy sacrifice for Our Lord. Even household chores.

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by Ace86:

This booklet really and truly helped me in my discernment to the priesthood/religious life. It’s called Vocations by Rev. William Doyle, S.J. Trust me when I say that it helps a lot with your vocational discernment, and it’s short so you can read it in a few days.

You can find it online here:

holycrossseminary.com/vocations.htm

Thanks for the link. I’ll definitely check it out.

Here are the signs:

*The following is a list of some of the ordinary indications of a vocation, taken principally from the works of Father Gautrelet, S.J., and the Retreat Manual. No one need expect to have all these marks, but if some of them at least are not perceived, the person may safely say he has no vocation:-
*

Ah, a Jesuit.

1.  A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling you. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.

How do you know it’s a conviction and not just your own strong attraction/desire/sense of fitting-into?

1.  An attraction for the state of virginity.

Would we call it chastity today?

1. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ, and to suffer for His sake.

That’s a tough one.

…

Just realized this is an old thread.