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Vocations
Diaconate Ordination
Kyle Stanton, a seminarian of the Diocese of Manchester, was ordained a transitional deacon on May 29, 2010 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, NH. This ordination is the next step in the formation of a seminarian as he enters his last year of study before being ordained to the priesthood.
Listen to Dana Laviano interview Kyle Stanton about what it means to become a transitional deacon, when he first heard God’s call and how he envisions his priesthood.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” –Jer 1:4
In His goodness, God personally called each one of us. Even before we were born, God knew us and loved us with a love beyond all telling. The words spoken to the prophet Jeremiah remind us that God created us with a purpose. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you.” The greatest gift we have been given is our life; a life that flows from the love of God who desires to share His goodness with us. The primary vocation we have been given is to accept the gift of life from God and to acknowledge that He created us with the purpose of loving Him and serving Him. In loving and serving the Lord we have been promised happiness here on earth and in heaven for all eternity.
Through baptism, we put on Christ and become sons and daughters of God and are given a share in His divine nature. In this new life of grace we enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who freely offers all that is necessary to live a holy life clothed in heartfelt compassion, generosity, gentleness and patience because, as St. Paul says, we are “God’s chosen ones” (Col 3:12).
As we look throughout the New Testament we see that the Christian is called. Each one of us is called to the perfection of love which is to be loved by God and to love Him in return. However, each Christian lives the call to love according to the particular mission he or she is given. Not all are called to do the same work, yet everyone’s vocation is ordered to the good of the whole Church.
Every vocation is a sacred gift and it is to be discovered, cherished and lived in a spirit of gratitude to God. Today, there is a great need for all members of the Church to recognize their unique vocation. Since each person must grow in his or her awareness of what it means to be called by God to the vocation of marriage, consecrated life or the ordained priesthood the Vocation Office offers numerous opportunities for discernment.
What's Happening
The Sisters of Bon Secours invite you to attend a Come and See Vocation Weekend
June 26—27, 2010
October 23—24, 2010
CLICK HERE to download flyer (pdf)
Why keep doubting that God could be calling you to the priestho+
od? Crossroads, provides an opportunity for young men to gather monthly to actively seek out God’s will in their life. Take part in Crossroads to be encouraged by other men who are asking the same questions and wondering the same things about their vocation. Who’s at Crossroads—High school juniors, seniors, collegians, men in love with Jesus Christ and His Church. Fr. Jason coordinates the monthly gatherings. Please contact him at jjalbert@rcbm.org or 669-3100
Updated for 2009-2010!
Vocation Awareness Curriculum
The Church across the country turns her attention to vocations, to the unrelenting and prevailing call of the Lord to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Click here to download materials for Catholic school teachers and catechists to use to promote vocations.
Related Links
Office for Vocations - www.liveinblackandwhite.com
Serra Club - www.serranh.org