We are celebrating National Vocation Awareness Week (
January 13-19). My thoughts, reflections and experiences in my own life have varied over the years, having been raised in small town Iowa, then moving to a larger city for college, then out-of-state, to the convent, and then ministering in the church for many years as a single woman.
While National Vocation Awareness Week is about praying for open hearts and wiling spirits to discern the Lord’s call to priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life, each of us is, nonetheless, called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by how we live our lives and to discern how the Lord is calling us to live our lives as fully and responsibly as we can.
In the past few years my reflections and prayers have been more centered around “living” the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as a baptized person. The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.
The Themes are: +Life and Dignity of the Human Person
+Call to Family, Community, and Participation
+Rights and Responsibilities
+Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
+Life and Dignity of the Human Person
+Call to Family, Community, and Participation
+Rights and Responsibilities
+Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
So, what conscience efforts do I make today? More on the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching over the next couple of weeks.
Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice. Amen