A vocation: a proposal, an invitation, or rather a concern to bring the Savior to the world of today, which needs him so much. A refusal would mean not only rejecting the Lord’s word, but also abandoning many of our brothers and sisters in horror, in meaninglessness, or in the frustration of their most secret and noble aspirations, to which they neither know how to nor are able to respond alone.
-Blessed John Paul II

Through the sacrament of baptism, each person receives a "call" or vocation. God calls all who are baptized to holiness and to serve. This call to holiness and service is lived as a single, married, ordained or consecrated person.

Our Lady of Wisdom is very proud of the many young men and women who have been spiritually formed and are seriously discerning religious life and those who have answered God's call and are beginning their vocation. We ask that you please pray for these Texas State Alumni as they prepare and/or continue to embark on their vocational journey with Christ.
 

Prayer for Vocations:

Faithful God, You sent your Son, Jesus, to be Our Good Shepard. Through our Baptism, you blessed us and called us to follow Jesus Who leads us on the path of life. Renew in us the desire to remain faithful to our commitment to serve You and the Church. Bless all who dedicate their lives to You, through marriage, the single life, the diaconate, priesthood, and consecrated life. Give insight to those who are discerning their vocation. Send us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus, our Good Shepard, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Austin Diocese has many opportunities regarding vocation through discernment dinners, "Come and See" trips, retreats, and much more.

Men’s Discernment Dinners are for single, Catholic men (highschoolers or college-aged men and older) with an openness to a priestly vocation and discernment.  The evening includes dinner, evening prayer, and discussion about the priesthood, seminary, and discernment.

College-aged Men and Older Discernment Dinners will take place at the Borromeo House located at 905 Duncan Lane in Austin, Texas.  For more information, contact Fr. Jonathan Raia at the Vocation Office at 512.949.2430. 

The Office of Vocations promotes the universal call of all Christians and highlights the unique call to church ministries -- priesthood and religious life.

Click HERE to visit the Austin Diocese's vocations page!

If you aren't sure where to begin in your discernment, refer back to these helpful tips for a healthy discernment!

5 EASY STEPS THROUGH YOUR DISCERNMENT!

1. Prepare Your Heart

Entering into the process of discernment requires a level of preparation. A key focal point for this preparation is your heart. It is a powerful tool in the process of discernment and it is important to spend time preparing it.

2. Ask the Question

Once your heart is prepared, the answers will not necessarily come rolling in. The next step is to consider the questions that need to be asked and ask them of yourself. 

3. Listen for God's call

God’s call does not always come clearly or in the manner that you are anticipating, yet the call will come. Consider some of the ways that you can be attentive to hearing God's call.

4. Discernment Aids

Discerning God's call is not always an easy process, yet there are several aids that are time tested for assisting you in opening your heart, asking the question, and listening for God’s call.

5. Address Fears and Questions

Fears and uncertainties can often derail the discernment process. Here we address several common fears and questions.

If you have any questions about religious life or the discernment process you may contact the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Austin,

Contact: Fr. Jonathan Raia

Location: Pastoral Center
6225 Highway 290 East
Austin, TX 78723-1025
(512) 949-2405
email: fr-jonathan-raia@austindiocese.org