The word vocation comes from the Latin word ‘Vocare’ which means to call. Vocation means “A calling from God” in the Church, and there are so many different ways that you can be called! Just like Jesus called the disciples, God calls us all to do a greater service, so how can the home play a role in helping children to discern whether they’re being called to religious life or to married or even a single life in the world?

We are reminded by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia that “cultivating vocations begins in the family, where Jesus is alive and prayer is conversation with him”. To this end, the family is aptly referred to as the “domestic church” where everything that a church provides at the social level, a family provides to its members at the family level. In his pastoral letter on the domestic church, Bishop Llanos refers to it as the ‘load bearing wall of civilization”. He says further that “its strength determines whether civilization and the church stand or fall.” In short, the family is called to strive daily to meet the spiritual needs of its members, to spread the good news to others, to meet the needs of the poor and underprivileged, to be a moral exemplar to human society, while also serving as “faithful pilgrim in this world in preparation for the fullness of the kingdom of God”.

Many Catholic parents are very apprehensive about their children becoming priests or religious. However, in time, these concerns all disappear as the their vocation matures. Be inspired by the video below which shares some few practical things that can be done within the home to ensure that vocations are encouraged and nurtured.