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How Is God Calling Me?

June 9, 2011, 1:51 am

Crucifix of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Singapore

Pray, speak to a holy person, and learn to listen to God's voice.

Do you wonder, “To what kind of life is God calling me?” or “How can I know God’s will?” or “Am I being called to religious life?”

These are questions that many single persons ask themselves, and struggle with. Jesus Christ desires that all of His followers live life to the full. He said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). To hear God’s voice, we first must listen. To listen, we must be silent, and to practice the art of prayer.

Take the 7 Quick Questions survey

Sometimes we cannot listen well because we have an attachment of sin clouding our thoughts and desires. For example, sexual sin is a major obstruction in hearing God speaking to our hearts. It is particularly disruptive if we are considering a celibate life. Such sin engulfs our emotions and thoughts, pulling us away from a peaceful state of mind that we need. Catholics can make use of the sacrament of Confession in such cases to begin to live chastely.

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Tags: calling, consecrated, discernment, religious, vocation
Category: Vocation aids | Comment

7 Quick Questions

May 13, 2011, 9:37 pm

A Sister's profession

Take this questionnaire and see whether you might have a religious vocation. Check all items that apply.

1. Do you have a deep interest in Christianity / the Catholic faith?
I feel alive with anything that has to do with God and the Faith.
The zeal to live and share God’s love is something that won’t lie dormant within me.
My closest friends also tend to be those with deep religious convictions.

2. Do you feel a real need today for men and women to dedicate themselves completely to God?
Yes, there is real value in men and women dedicating themselves to God.
Celibacy is a good thing because it frees a person to devote himself completely to God.
If a person chooses celibacy for the kingdom of God, he is giving up the good of marriage for a greater good.

3. The possibility of religious life keeps coming back to my mind.
No matter who I’m dating, the job I have, or the car I’m driving, the idea of religious life keeps popping back into my mind.
When I see a religious sister, I think about what it would be like for me to become a sister.
I think my talents and gifts could be used for the good of the Church.

4. I feel attracted to serving God and others.
The idea of serving God and his people are the things that bring me a deep sense of joy.
I’m active in the parish choir, serving at the altar or in some work of charity.
In addition to Sunday Mass, I sometimes attend daily Mass, or other services.

5. It’s scary but thrilling at the same time.
I’m somewhat fearful about a calling to religious life. But it’s exciting at the same time.
Seeing a religious, I’ve sometimes thought, “Maybe I could be good at that.”
Sometimes I envision myself living as a sister, and doing good works such as teaching, giving retreats, taking care of the sick and elderly, and so on.

6. Other signs seem to point in the direction of religious life.
The vows of poverty, chastity and obedience might be difficult, but don’t seem out of the question for me.
The thought of living with other religious could be an opportunity to develop deep, life-long friendships.
Family, friends or co-workers have said, “You’d make a good religious.”

7. When I pray about this idea, it brings a peace within me.
I have prayed for guidance about my calling in life.
I have been seeking the advice of a good spiritual director, or someone else, such as my parents.
In prayer, God seems to speak to me in a positive way about religious life.

Email (required) It is OK if the vocation director sends me an email now and then.

Name (required)

If you have checked more than 11 boxes above, you might have a vocation to religious life. Please contact Sister Leonarda, O.P., our director of vocations, who can help you discern your call.

This questionnaire is adapted from the website of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, KS.

Tags: questionnaire, survey, test, vocation
Category: Vocation aids | Comment