Theo Flashcard

What does the Church mean when it uses the term, “vocation?” How does this differ from other ways the term is used? - Vocation is the particular plan or calling from God for each individual. In society, vocation normally means one’s job.

What is the vocation that all of the baptized are called to? - Christian vocation begins at Baptism. All of the baptized are called to holiness.

Why is finding one’s vocation so important? In other words, how is vocation related to happiness? God knows what is best for our life. This is why happiness and vocation are inseparable.

Committed Single Definition/Summary - When a lay person chooses to remain single to be more available to serve the needs of others.

Committed Single Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Greater availability to serve and one can imitate Christ who did not marry. C: Loneliness and temptation to use freedom in a selfish manner.

Committed Single Process - There is no formal process. The norm is that one should first rule out the other vocations before choosing to permanently remain single.

Marriage Definition/Summary - A lifelong/indissoluble covenant of a man and woman ordered toward the good (ie holiness and happiness) of the couple and any children they may have.

Marriage Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Spousal intimacy to act as a symbol of Christ’s love for His church. Possible gift of children. C: More worldly concerns and spiritual distractions.

Marriage Process - After a formal engagement, a couple enters into a period of official marriage preparation normally lasting at least six months.

Priesthood Definition/Summary - The middle degree of Holy Orders in which one s their bishop to teach govern, and sanctify the people of God entrusted to them.

What does the Church mean when it uses the term, “vocation?” How does this differ from other ways the term is used? - Vocation is the particular plan or calling from God for each individual. In society, vocation normally means one’s job.

What is the vocation that all of the baptized are called to? - Christian vocation begins at Baptism. All of the baptized are called to holiness.

Why is finding one’s vocation so important? In other words, how is vocation related to happiness? God knows what is best for our life. This is why happiness and vocation are inseparable.

Committed Single Definition/Summary - When a lay person chooses to remain single to be more available to serve the needs of others.

Committed Single Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Greater availability to serve and one can imitate Christ who did not marry. C: Loneliness and temptation to use freedom in a selfish manner.

Committed Single Process - There is no formal process. The norm is that one should first rule out the other vocations before choosing to permanently remain single.

Marriage Definition/Summary - A lifelong/indissoluble covenant of a man and woman ordered toward the good (ie holiness and happiness) of the couple and any children they may have.

Marriage Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Spousal intimacy to act as a symbol of Christ’s love for His church. Possible gift of children. C: More worldly concerns and spiritual distractions.

Marriage Process - After a formal engagement, a couple enters into a period of official marriage preparation normally lasting at least six months.

Priesthood Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Working as part of Christ’s mission to teach, govern, and sanctify in a very direct way. C: Remain faithful to vows and recognition of unworthiness for such an important task.

Priesthood Process - A baptized man, after properly discerning, must be formally accepted into a diocesan seminary program.

Consecrated Life Definition/Summary When one lives like Christ by following the 3 evangelical counsels: 1) Poverty (material), 2) chastity (celibacy) and obedience (to superior). Normally, consecrated are part of distinct religious orders with their own habits (ie religious garb) and charisms (particular spirituality).

Consecrated Life Typical Joys and Challenges - J: Strong union with Christ by living most directly like Him via the evangelical counsels. C: Remaining faithful to the evangelical counsels.

Consecrated Life Process - Can vary but there are 3 basic stages to discerning the consecrated life. 1) Aspirant 2) Postulate 3) Novitiate.

What does the Church mean when it uses the word “discernment” in regard to vocation? - Discernment equals carefully and prayerfully pursuing the vocation (ie state of life) in which God is calling one to serve him, grow in holiness, and become a saint.

What are the consequences of a poor discernment process that leads to a missed vocation (Hint: consider the story of the Rich Young Man in the Gospels)? - A missed vocation will lead to greater spiritual desolation/sadness, boredom, and difficulty achieving salvation. The Rich Young man is a biblical example of one who went away sad after preferring over Christ’s call and went away sad.

How does one properly discern their vocation? - 1. Be holy through prayers, sacraments, service, fellowship, etc. 2. Form your mind: learn the Catholic Faith and about the different vocations. 3. Abandonment and Freedom from Attachments. 4. Go to the Church via spiritual direction. 5. “Test all things” and find peace.