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Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God
Whether you’re considering a religious vocation or simply trying to lead a Christ-centered life, Franciscan friar Casey Cole has news: Christian life doesn't end with a profession of faith or hearing of God's call. That's when it begins.
While the trappings of a professed Franciscan’s life may be different from that of a layperson, the inspiration and foundation are exactly the same: We are disciples of Christ called to live the Gospel in our world. Casey may wear brown while you wear red; he may work at a Church while you work in a school; and he may profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while you have yet to make any formal commitments in your life. The expressions may be different, but the life is the same.
Based on a series of contagiously enthusiastic blog posts Casey wrote while he was in formation, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels.
All Christians must discern God’s call for them.
All Christians struggle at times knowing how to pray.
All Christians work to be in intimate relationships with others.
All Christians are challenged to give of themselves so to rely more on God.
All Christians have a mission of building up the kingdom.
And all Christians, like it or not, fail along the way.
In his own path of discernment and discipleship, Casey has found a life that brings him amazement and wonder, sorrow and joy, encouragement and challenges, and he’s eager to share it all with everyone he can. Called offers inspiration and guidance to all those pursuing a life in Christ, in whatever form that may take. What you wonder, what you struggle with, what you experience in your daily life—you’re not alone.
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.
While the trappings of a professed Franciscan’s life may be different from that of a layperson, the inspiration and foundation are exactly the same: We are disciples of Christ called to live the Gospel in our world. Casey may wear brown while you wear red; he may work at a Church while you work in a school; and he may profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while you have yet to make any formal commitments in your life. The expressions may be different, but the life is the same.
Based on a series of contagiously enthusiastic blog posts Casey wrote while he was in formation, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels.
All Christians must discern God’s call for them.
All Christians struggle at times knowing how to pray.
All Christians work to be in intimate relationships with others.
All Christians are challenged to give of themselves so to rely more on God.
All Christians have a mission of building up the kingdom.
And all Christians, like it or not, fail along the way.
In his own path of discernment and discipleship, Casey has found a life that brings him amazement and wonder, sorrow and joy, encouragement and challenges, and he’s eager to share it all with everyone he can. Called offers inspiration and guidance to all those pursuing a life in Christ, in whatever form that may take. What you wonder, what you struggle with, what you experience in your daily life—you’re not alone.
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
152 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 17, 2021
Surprisingly good!
June 5, 2020
I really did not like this book. I grew tired of the author’s I statements before the end of the first chapter.
I found the text and the author somewhat shallow and immature in parts and quite good in others.
The title is misleading since it is really about the author’s journey primarily and specific to being a discerning twenty-something in contemporary Franciscan religious life.
The most bizarre part was the baffling and brief 2-page aside about the author’s infatuation with a woman 5 years into his life as a Franciscan which he insisted was love and indicated would likely happen again more than once! I thought when he said he had fallen in love he was going to say something about Christ and the Church!
I can’t recommend it but hopefully it is helpful to some.
I found the text and the author somewhat shallow and immature in parts and quite good in others.
The title is misleading since it is really about the author’s journey primarily and specific to being a discerning twenty-something in contemporary Franciscan religious life.
The most bizarre part was the baffling and brief 2-page aside about the author’s infatuation with a woman 5 years into his life as a Franciscan which he insisted was love and indicated would likely happen again more than once! I thought when he said he had fallen in love he was going to say something about Christ and the Church!
I can’t recommend it but hopefully it is helpful to some.
November 27, 2020
Review of the book
Father Casey writes in the style that is like he is talking. I like the way he speaks of his good days and bad days . Any one who is discerning what he or she should do with his or her life can read this and get a good idea if what communal life. He doesn't sugar coat what it's like to live with others. Incidents like when he walks into a messy kitchen and decides to ignore the mess and in the end he gets peanut butter all over his habit is told so you picture not only the scene, but get his reaction
from not cleaning up the mess and the lamenting that he didn't clean up. You could picture him standing there more upset with himself for his decision. I have also made a decision I later regretted. His style of conversational of writing puts the reader in the picture where her she knows exactly what he is experiencing and how he feels about it. I would recommend this book for anyone, but especially for someone standing at the crossroads of life and is discerning their next step. You get the feeling that you already know After Casey but would like to meet him in person. I like watching his videos and reading about his life. I give this book a enthusiastic two thumbs and would even give it four thumbs if, I fact , that I was blessed with four thumbs. Well done, Father Casey!
Father Casey writes in the style that is like he is talking. I like the way he speaks of his good days and bad days . Any one who is discerning what he or she should do with his or her life can read this and get a good idea if what communal life. He doesn't sugar coat what it's like to live with others. Incidents like when he walks into a messy kitchen and decides to ignore the mess and in the end he gets peanut butter all over his habit is told so you picture not only the scene, but get his reaction
from not cleaning up the mess and the lamenting that he didn't clean up. You could picture him standing there more upset with himself for his decision. I have also made a decision I later regretted. His style of conversational of writing puts the reader in the picture where her she knows exactly what he is experiencing and how he feels about it. I would recommend this book for anyone, but especially for someone standing at the crossroads of life and is discerning their next step. You get the feeling that you already know After Casey but would like to meet him in person. I like watching his videos and reading about his life. I give this book a enthusiastic two thumbs and would even give it four thumbs if, I fact , that I was blessed with four thumbs. Well done, Father Casey!
June 23, 2025
Another of my little gems find, thrift shopping. I find this book very enjoyable, but I couldn’t really relate to it, having come to discern my life and relationship with Jesus Christ already. But, would have been so useful, even inspiration about 10 – 20 years ago, when I was a little lost, not knowing why my life was so different to people my age and family members.
Hence, this book is more suitable for people almost finishing High School, and college, not knowing what to do with their lives, or wanting to build a better relationship with God. In fact, I believe it should be a part of our kid’s school curriculum.
If not, just watch Brother Casey’s YouTube videos, as their fun and very knowledgeable. I enjoy them, and can’t wait until a new one is released. Yes, Brother Casey Cole, is a wonderful role model for our young people, and even adults can learn a lot from this Youthful Catholic Shepherd.
Hence, this book is more suitable for people almost finishing High School, and college, not knowing what to do with their lives, or wanting to build a better relationship with God. In fact, I believe it should be a part of our kid’s school curriculum.
If not, just watch Brother Casey’s YouTube videos, as their fun and very knowledgeable. I enjoy them, and can’t wait until a new one is released. Yes, Brother Casey Cole, is a wonderful role model for our young people, and even adults can learn a lot from this Youthful Catholic Shepherd.
April 8, 2020
Well, I have to tell you that this book really surprised me. I started reading (or rather listening) to Fr Casey's book earlier this week hoping I would find some of the answers I am looking for in my vocational discernment. Oh, I could not have been more wrong. To be fair, Fr Casey did raise very good points for me to consider on my journey forward, not only as I discern God's will for my life, but also as I move on as a Catholic. But honestly, I finished the reading with more questions than answers. Perhaps this is a good thing. Perhaps I need to go past the surface and ask the difficult and meaningful questions. After all, his book offers insights for all of us, discerning a vocation or not, from his own experience living as Franciscan friar.
September 25, 2019
I read this book in one day! It’s written by a Franciscan friar who intersperses each chapter with his blog posts. It gives a great insight into what someone in/considering the ‘religious life’ experiences, and author does reiterate that the book is not only for those considering a full time Christian vocation. There are some great bits and practical tips (not just about discernment) in this which made me take some notes. As an Ethnomusicologist I appreciated that he talked about privilege (since he is an educated white male), and ways to overcome privileges you cannot denounce. Recommended.
April 14, 2022
CALLED: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SAYING YES TO GOD is the autobiographical, sanctified journey of Casey Cole OFM from novitiate to vowed religous, training to be an ordained Priest (completed). Father Cole incorporates previous blog posts of his community life experiences, sharing his spiritual and life lesson perceptions. He uses religious virtues, Scriptural references and Catholic doctrines to convey his thoughts on many issues relative to both religious and layperson life experiences. A good, subtle religious study for any Christian library.
September 18, 2018
From a young writer, and new Franciscan friar, Cole shares insights on what it means to be called to serve God. I like his response to people when they asked him, "What happens if you fall in love and find the right woman after you become a friar?" He wonders if those same people ask that same question when someone says they are going to get married, "What if after you get married, you find someone else and fall in love?"
December 1, 2023
This is a very interesting book that shows a much more intimate side of Casey Cole (he's usually quite quirky and funny in his podcast and YouTube channel). I found it very easy to connect with the stories and the thoughts expressed, and could have listened to more easily. But I also think it was as short as it should be, because it had no fillers, it was substantial and meaningful, and yet comfortable to go through.
July 29, 2018
Opening my eyes
I am thankful for the words of wisdom shared by cole. He makes you think about how it is to be Christian today. Weakness is what needs to framed in the positive sense because it is with our failures that we learn we are not alone.
I am thankful for the words of wisdom shared by cole. He makes you think about how it is to be Christian today. Weakness is what needs to framed in the positive sense because it is with our failures that we learn we are not alone.
April 24, 2018
This is of great interest to professed religious.
May 2, 2018
A wonderful book that I enjoyed very much. You undoubtedly will find more than one nugget of wisdom in this book. For me, you have to say yes to God every day.
March 26, 2021
I really liked this book. This book explains deep things of our lives in a simple language. At times funny and always insightful. I will be waiting for another book to come, one day :)
January 31, 2022
Brilliant book
Excellent book, reflecting humility. Made me look differently at my Christian walk and challenged me in areas I didn't expect.
Excellent book, reflecting humility. Made me look differently at my Christian walk and challenged me in areas I didn't expect.
March 16, 2019
To the first half of this book, I would give three*'s, but to the second half, I give four *'s. This book will most resound with people who are considering entering religious life or who are in their first few years as a religious.
Fifty years ago, this was me. At this point in my life, however, I am neither. Yet the second half of the book really did speak to me as a "woman of the church." Even as a secular woman.
Fifty years ago, this was me. At this point in my life, however, I am neither. Yet the second half of the book really did speak to me as a "woman of the church." Even as a secular woman.
January 20, 2019
Wonderful read
Very inciteful reading. Even though I have said yes to God. It's nice to read someone else's journey and thoughts on their journey and yes. Casey Cole does it in a very thoughtful and modern day way.
Very inciteful reading. Even though I have said yes to God. It's nice to read someone else's journey and thoughts on their journey and yes. Casey Cole does it in a very thoughtful and modern day way.
August 1, 2019
On the top of my list of spiritual books to consider and reflect upon. Very insightful.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews