Sacraments

Sacrament of Holy Orders and Vocations to Religious Life

Could God be inviting you to serve the Church as a priest, brother, nun or sister?  

There are many options for religious life.  How do you figure out the one that best suits you?

Discerning whether it is God’s will that you enter religious life involves more than weighing pros and cons.  Sister Colleen Therese Smith, A.S.C.J., offers five “signs” that religious life might be right for you:

  1. Having a Peace Like No Other
    The pivotal moment comes when you recognize that God is not calling you to be anyone other than your best self.  It gives you what Jesus calls “a peace the world cannot give” (John 14:27).  That is the first “sign” that you have found God’s will.
  2. Recognizing Your Deepest Desire
    What are the deepest longings of your heart?  They, in fact, reflect God’s deepest desires for you.  That’s why God placed them there in the first place!
  3. With God All Things are Possible
    Another “sign” that God might be calling you to religious life is that things start to happen that you would not have otherwise imagined.
  4. Others Will Tell You
    A signpost along the way is when other people see God’s grace in your life.  They will affirm that indeed you would make a wonderful religious sister, religious brother, or priest. 
  5. Joy: the Irrefutable Sign
    If you feel deep joy when you consider religious life, then pursue your discernment seriously! To read Sister Colleen’s full article, click here. If you’re feeling that constant tug in your heart, have a conversation with one of our priests!

For information regarding vocations to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) click here. You can also contact Fr. Francis Nguyen, SJ at 408-729-0101 x 114 or email him at fatherfrancismht@gmail.com

 Here are some (of many) Vocation Discernment resources.

LORD of the Harvest, 

BLESS young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call.
Open their hearts to great ideals, to great things.

INSPIRE all of your disciples to mutual love and giving—
for vocations blossom in the good soil of faithful people.

INSTILL those in religious life, parish ministries, and families with the confidence and grace to invite others to embrace the bold and noble path of a life consecrated to you.

UNITE us to Jesus through prayer and sacrament, so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. Amen.

– Pope Francis

Adapted from the Message on the 51st World Day
of Prayer for Vocations