Lifestyles: Section 2 Called By God

Vocation

A calling from God to embrace a certain way of life to enable us to use our talents and gifts to serve God and one another.

Collective Vocation

The call to all of God's Children.

Specific Vocation

God's calling to each individual to fulfill their life in God.

Universal Call to Holiness

A teaching of the Church that states by virtue of our baptism, every Christian is called to pursue sanctification.

Sanctification

Holiness.

Two Great Commandments

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Sin

What is it when we cause things to be 'out of order' in our lives?

Sacrament

An outward sign/ritual instituted by Christ that communicates an inward change or grace.

Grace

The gift of God's loving presence within us, which empowers us to respond to his call and to live always as his children.

Baptism

A welcome into the Christian community, instituted when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan.

Original Sin

Our natural temptation to sin and do evil.

Confirmation

A chance to confirm the baptismal promises that were initially made by parents/godparents.

Eucharist

The culmination of the Sacraments of Initiation, the most intimate form of communication between God and humans.

Marriage

A sacrament that promotes the holiness of self and others, where God is the author.

Pentecost

The event reminding us of the gift of the Holy Spirit received during Confirmation.

Sacraments of Initiation

Rituals that are necessary for introduction into the faith community.

Sacraments at the Service of Others

Sacraments that promote the holiness of self and others.

Christian Lifestyle

Living according to our baptismal promises.

The Challenge of Eucharist

To repeat the ritual and sacrifice for God/others, as Jesus did.

Grace of Marriage

To perfect the couple's love and help them attain holiness.

Holy Orders

The sacrament of apostolic ministry - The Great Commission, with three distinct degrees or 'orders' of ministry: Deacon, Priest, Bishop.

Ordination

The sacramental act which unites a man with his order of ministry.

Grace received in Holy Orders

The gift of strength from Holy Spirit to lead, pastor, and serve the Church.

Sacraments of Healing

Important sacraments that help us maintain our path toward sanctification or restore our connection to God.

Eucharist as Maintenance Sacrament

Even though Eucharist is a Sacrament of Initiation, it is also considered to be the primary 'Maintenance sacrament' because regular reception focuses us on Jesus and provides the GRACE of Christ necessary to walk the path of holiness.

Reconciliation

The forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is given by the sacrament of reconciliation, traced back to Jesus' Call to Conversion.

Grace received in Reconciliation

The restoration of our baptismal grace and union with God, as well as the restoration of our communion with the faith community.

Obligation to receive Reconciliation

The Church teaches that after the age of reason (age 7), each believer is obligated to receive the sacrament at least once a year, especially during the season of Lent.

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament of blessing and strength for those facing a serious health issue or the challenge of death, not reserved for those that are on death's door.

Grace received in Anointing of the Sick

The strength, peace, and courage to endure sufferings in a Christian manner.

Examples of Specific Vocations

Marriage, Ordination, Consecrated Life, Committed Single Life.

Holiness in Vocation

No one vocational life is more holy than another; holiness depends on our relationship with God and the way we live out our vocation.

Contribution to Church's Mission

By embracing and living out our specific vocations, we all contribute to the Church's mission.

Love of Self

We cannot fully give the gift of our talents and abilities to others if we do not love and respect the gift of ourselves that God made.

Identity

Our sense of who we are, including traits, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values.

Healthy Self-Esteem

A firm sense of identity enables us to have a healthy self-esteem.

Self-esteem

An understanding of our own Worth, regardless of what others may feel.

Out of Our Control

Factors that shape us that we cannot influence.

Cosmic Realities

The big realities of being human - when we were born, who we were born to, the fact that we get sick, die, limitations of life.

Genetics

Our unique genetics that affect our appearance, health, aptitudes, talents, and personalities.

Cultural Factors

Including the environment in which we were raised, our religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

Circumstantial Factors

Major historical events, accidents, or chance occurrences that have an impact on a person's life.

In Our Control

Our ability to choose/How we respond.

Victor Frankl

We can always choose our attitude/meaning.

Communication

An effective exchange of ideas, feelings, or information between two or more people.

Empathy vs. Apathy

A comparison of attitudes that can affect communication.

Trust vs. Self-Protection

A comparison of attitudes that can affect communication.

Hope vs. Win-Lose

A comparison of attitudes that can affect communication.

Acceptance vs. Stereotyping

A comparison of attitudes that can affect communication.

Body Language

Non-verbal cues that can be more expressive than verbal language.

Listening

An overlooked essential - crucial for successful communication.

Verbal Communication

Communiation through Words

Self-disclosure

The sharing of personal information and feelings.

I messages

Accurate descriptions of the speaker's feelings, allowing the other person a chance to clarify and explain.

You messages

Implies negative judgment and forces people to defend themselves.

Listening Guidelines

Important practices for effective listening, including maintaining eye contact and summarizing occasionally.

Communication Attitudes

Our attitudes can either help or challenge successful exchanges with others.

Effective Communication

Can occur in many forms and is essential for living out our vocations.

Maintaining Balance

Significance of stress management, reflection, and prayer in our lives.