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VOCATION DISCERNMENT
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Austin VocationsThe first vocation, or calling, that we all have is to holiness: “This is the will of God, your holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
- Holiness is life to the full and the complete joy that will bring our hearts to rest (see John 10:10, John 15:11, and Matthew 11:30).
Part of answering this first calling to holiness is discerning our vocation- the particular way that God wants us to be holy.- Priesthood, consecrated life, and marriage are three ways of following the Lord in holiness. From all eternity, God has planned one of these vocations for you: “I know well the plans I have for you… plans for your welfare, not for your woe, plans to give you a future full of hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Another part of answering the first calling to holiness is praying for and promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.- Jesus felt compassion in His Sacred Heart when he saw that the crowds were like sheep without a shepherd, and then he told his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
- In a letter to the Church in America, St. John Paul II wrote, “The entire People of God is responsible for promoting vocations, and does so chiefly by persistent and humble prayer for vocations.”
The resources below from the Diocesan Office of Vocations will help you to discern your vocation, pray for vocations, and follow wherever God leads.
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EVENT OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
19th Annotation | [email protected]
Each academic year the Spiritual Exercises are offered to students in the 19th Annotation. Meeting weekly with a Spiritual Director the students follow St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises and commit to 30-45 minutes of personal prayer each day for 32+ weeks.2024 cohort is full. Please see Br. Rob for future interest.
Spring Vocation Pilgrimages | [email protected]
Men and women who desire to learn more about the consecrated life, single life, priesthood, or another life of service in the Catholic Church take a trip together to spend time with different religious communities, stay with them, pray along-side them, share meals, and serve with them, all the while contemplating how God might be calling them to live their lives.
The next annual pilgrimage is May 2025
Women's Vocation Pilgrimage | [email protected]
An Undivided Heart, takes place in December just before the winter break. University women commit to living in community, accompanied by our campus minister, Jocelyn, and journey through the Diocese of Austin, visiting various religious communities. The pilgrimage gives women an opportunity to dive deeper into the evangelical councils of poverty, chastity and obedience while entering into the daily life of consecrated heart.
The next annual pilgrimage is December 2025Interested in discerning religious life or priesthood?
Schedule an appointment with a member of pastoral team for more information on we can walk with you in your journey and share available resources for you.
Resources for Vocations:
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Learn to Discern
Vocational discernment is the diligent pursuit of knowing whether God is calling you to the priesthood, to consecrated life, or to marriage. The process of vocational discernment can be summarized in three steps: learn the basics, take a step, and follow God’s direction.
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D180
Discernment 180 is a six-month guide to help you discern priesthood or the consecrated life. Somewhat like Exodus 90, Magnify 90, and similar programs, it outlines a rule of life and provides meditations for daily prayer to facilitate vocational discernment through the pursuit of holiness.
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Pray for Vocations
The first thing that the Lord tells us to do when seeking more shepherds is to ask the master of the harvest (Mt. 9:38). Only God can move the hearts of men and women to consider the priesthood and religious life- no homily, invitation, or other initiatives will bear fruit without His grace. Join hundreds of others in praying that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS & LONG-TERM MISSIONS
Long-term Missions Fair | October 9 | [email protected]
Each Fall 30+ full-time, faith-based volunteer programs come to the University Catholic Center for our annual Service Expo. These programs offer graduates an opportunity to experience faith-based service as part of vocational discernment and service.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIESMasters in Counseling, Divine Mercy University
Graduate psychology and counseling degrees rooted in Faith, based in science
(ACE) Alliance for Catholic Education, University of Notre Dame
A two-year graduate teaching fellowship and formation experience in which participants serve in under-resourced Catholic schools while also earning a cost-free M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame
Bilken Teaching Corps, Saint Louis University
Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching while serving in underserved Catholic Schools in MO and IL
Nursing and Counseling Programs, Franciscan University
Designed to be completed in six semesters, the program curriculum is rooted in the Catholic tradition and includes core course work in nursing and counseling
Business Administration, Theology, Philosophy, University of Mary
A Christian, Catholic and Benedictine University with a range of programs
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