Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Office of Vocations

As Jesus was walking on from there he saw a man named Matthew
sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, 'Follow me.'

Do you hear Our Lord calling for a few good men and women?

Do you feel that the Lord’s presence in your life is guiding you to a life of dedication and service to Him and your fellow men and women?  As Catholic Christians, we actively seek God’s grace to give us direction in life and guidance to obey His will in our lives.  Our Lord calls us to different duties in our lives – this is what a vocation is all about!  (The word “vocation” itself comes from the Latin verb, “vocare,” meaning “to call” in the sense that one is called to a specific duty to which one will devote their energy and life to performing well.) 

We are all called by God to devote our talents in our lives to further His glory here on Earth.  Some are called to live a celibate life of serving their fellow men and women; others are called to a life of marriage and raising children.  Some are called to a religious life of service, married or celibate.  Yet others are called by God to labor in the secular world while being a good Christian example by living a godly life.

In today’s secular world, we are faced with an endless series of choices as to how to live our lives.  Such choices are indeed daunting.  This is where we, as Catholic Christians, must place our faith and trust in God to guide us to discern what he is calling us to do with our lives.  Is God calling you to a life of marriage?  Or perhaps he is calling you to a life of celibacy?  Is he calling you to a life of service as a priest, deacon, monastic or layperson?  Only YOU can tell if God is calling you in your life!

Prayer for Vocations:

Almighty and merciful God, inspire those You have chosen
to hear and answer Your call to the Priesthood and Religious Life.

Give them the courage to be the prophets for our times.
Give them the wisdom and openness to live their personal call.
Give them the strength to be ready witness
of Your love and care for the world.

May they find support and encouragement
in our words and in our prayers,
through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God,
and all the Saints.

AMEN