Single for a Greater Purpose: A Hidden Joy in the Catholic Church

by Luanne Zurlo

In these fascinating pages, author Luanne Zurlo shows that, contrary to popular opinion, single life is often a holy, joyful vocation lived out, sometimes in a hidden way, by souls who have had an authentic encounter with Christ.Here she sheds light on this little-understood vocation discerned and embraced by a growing number of single persons who neither marry nor enter religious life.These souls are joyfully single for a greater purpose, nourishing both the world and the Church with the unique spiritual strengths and graces that God gives to souls who deliberately remain single for Him — in the world but not of it.Read these pages to dedicated single life is uniquely suited to our timesHow it builds on our baptismal vocationsThe special role that dedicated singles have in the ChurchHow the dedicated-single vocation complements marriage and religious lifeHow celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom yields a fruitful spousal relationship with ChristHow dedicated singles can follow the evangelical counsels of obedience and poverty without the structured life of a religious communityThe vows that singles can take to dedicate themselves to such service of God within the worldIn the face of mounting difficulties within our world and our Church, God is now calling for an army of dedicated singles — laymen for the Kingdom of God — nourished from within and empowered by an authentic, personal encounter with Him alone.

Genres: Catholic

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2019

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. As usual I expect more from books for singles and get disappointed. While this wasn't a "how to be content until love finds you" book, it views singleness as a vocation, and is geared toward those who see themselves as "dedicated singles" and make private vows to God. These dedicated singles are not part of a religious community but remain out in the world. The author seems to invite those who are single, especially those who have been single long term, to consider if this is what God might want for them. Not very helpful for those who desire marriage but may not have that longing fulfilled. That does not automatically mean that one has to become a consecrated religious, consecrated virgin or a dedicated single to serve God (especially since all singles are called to celibacy/sexual continence regardless if they make vows or not). This may not what the author is actually saying, but it leans heavily towards some type of vows to God. Again, not very helpful for those who are open to marriage, but are not likely to see that desire fulfilled.

[Candice Punzalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to have a book on Catholic singles! Often when people think of vocations, they think of married people and religious. But what about singles? Is the single life a real vocation? This book focuses on a topic that often gets overlooked in Catholic conversations about holiness.

The author draws from canon law, papal encyclicals, and theology (think Hans Urs von Balthasar) to illustrate her points. The book’s tone is intellectual. If you are looking for a lighthearted devotional full of anecdotes written by single women, this may not be what you’re looking for!

[Abbie]

I’m not going to rate this book because I honestly couldn’t keep up with it. I had to skip a few chapters because it just does not apply to me in this season of my life.

She is informed, but also very wordy and very intelligent. She told me things I knew already, but would continue to talk about it. I love being catholic and maybe I’ll reread this again in the future and understand what the single calling.