Vocation does not come from a voice ‘out there’ telling me to become something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given to me by God– Thomas Merton

We are in a time of tremendous opportunity as the Spirit continues to challenge and call disciples in the likeness of Christ who witness to God’s coming Kingdom. Becoming like Christ is the call of all baptized people. To discover Christ is risen, alive and in relationship with us and loves us is the beginning of vocation. Our vocations are how we live out this relationship, and this love, for the life of the world.

We are all called, we all have vocations, and we discern our vocations both personally and in the community of the church. As Archbishop Rowan Williams writes: “The way I am to be sanctified and made like Christ is not your way -it is unique. But its uniqueness is only formed in and with you. That’s the glory and paradox of the Church”. Whether your vocation calls you to a classroom or hospital,  to a construction site or a law court, to the pulpit or  to a farm, your local church is here to help you find that out and serve God with all your heart, mind and strength.

So, wherever you are in your discernment journey, spend time in prayer and dwell in God’s love for you and for the world.  Ask lots of questions and spend time in conversation with those you trust.  Meditate on scripture and don’t be afraid to consider what you may not have considered before. God is doing a beautiful thing in you!

Resources and Local Education

Growing a Rule of Life 
Prayers of Discernment
Passages of Scripture for Meditation
Books and Articles
Vocations Package for Parishes
A Theology of Ministry
Kootenay School of Ministry
Sorrento Centre
EfM Canada