Have you ever known a sister, a priest or religious brother whose energy, sense of humor or upbeat personality made you wonder, “Why is she or he so happy?” It quite possibly could be because they have freely responded to a gift God has offered them. Taking a closer look at some aspects of a religious vocation could prove to be very interesting.The influence of one’s family is, no doubt, one of the most obvious factors motivating the choice for a religious vocation. Attraction to serving others also inclines one to consider the consecrated life. Yet to explain this call is not easy. There are elements of this beautiful gift that can only be termed a mystery. Living the mystery of this Divine invitation can never be completely grasped.
Perhaps a religious vocation might more clearly be defined as the mystery of “being grasped” by a powerful and loving Presence.
How then, can I know if I am indeed being grasped, or called, by God to the priesthood or religious life?
One strong factor indicating that God may be calling someone to religious life or the priesthood is a lived experience of faith while growing up. Childhood experiences of a living faith transmitted by parents helped form their hearts, preparing them for a still closer relationship with God. In my case, praying before meals and at bedtime; going to Sunday Mass; participating in our parish activities and attending Catholic school all contributed to my daily awareness of God’s loving presence in my life.
A second factor that often indicates that God may be inviting a person to consecrated life is the persistent thought or feeling of being drawn to it. Thinking about being a religious or priest; having that desire rise in your heart unexpectedly at a party or get together; being moved with a desire to grow closer to God at Mass or while praying. … Persistent impulses like these that seem to spontaneously occupy one’s mind and heart may indicate God’s Spirit drawing a person to consider responding yes to His invitation. If God is truly calling a person, they will experience a tremendous peace once they act on the loving invitation. As a college student, the day I finally applied to enter a religious community, I nearly floated back to my dorm, lighthearted with joy and peace that I had finally given in to the loving Presence pursuing me.
The willingness to dedicate oneself to the service of others is a third factor to consider when discerning a religious vocation. To be consecrated to God is to be a close disciple of Christ. Not only a follower of Christ, but also one sent out to share Christ’s Gospel message of selfless love with others. Becoming active in some form of service through parish or diocesan programs is vital because service to others stretches a person’s mind, heart and spirit and, in so doing, allows Jesus the space to enter and conform them to Himself.God asks for the total gift of self from each priest and consecrated religious. In willing to surrender themselves completely to God, one can only imagine God’s eager desire to outdo their self gift with divine generosity. In fact, Jesus makes his intention clear: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10).
If you are a woman or man who may be discerning a call to religious life or the priesthood, allow God’s prompting to lead you. Abundant life is waiting for you!
Sister Kathleen Brown is a member of the Religious Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Immaculata, PA. Through pastoral work, education and evangelization the Sisters share the Gospel message with all people by striving to be joyful bearers of God’s redeeming love. For the last 30 years Sister Kathleen has happily served the Hispanic community in various capacities. Recently she has been involved in evangelization and home visitations at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lindenwold. She resides with her community at Saint Teresa Convent, Runnemede.
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