Illuminated by Joy - a Group for Catholic Teens discussion

Hello all! Here is a place to talk about your vocation struggles, what you think vocation itself is, and just a general chat about it.

Good topic!

Thank you!

Oooh, I have a feeling that this topic will be used a lot!!

Yes! When I have time I will make a comment on my vocation discernment and just the term vocation in general.

Me too!

Look forward to reading it😊

Lovely Isabel!
I might as well post something.
Well first of all originally the term vocation was only used in relation to the priesthood, and by a stretch the religious life. Anything else, including married life is more of a state in life. So the term vocation is rather misused, which is okay, but we should understand its real meaning.
Next, I think we can all agree that a call to the priesthood/religious life is the highest and best call. Because of course it is dedicated entirely to the service of God. Also it rises above natural law, which God gave to humans to multiply and fill the earth, so it is supernatural. So an individual should first try and see if God is calling them to religious life before considering something else. That said, since religious life is the highest call it can most easily be defiled by someone who is not called to it. What we chose to do in life must be the thing that most easily makes us holy. It takes humility to admit that God does not want you to have the highest calling, but a lower one. That of course does not mean the people in religious life are any holier than anyone else, it is just their state in life objectively is.
😅 Phew that was a lot. Hope it makes sense. The YouTube channel Sensus Fidelium has great videos on the subject!!

For me personally, when I was younger I used to think vocation (yes I know it isn't right. I said do myself but I can't think of another word to use🙄) was something God called you to do against your natural inclination and desires. Something that was a pain, caused you no joy. When I got older I found out that was quite wrong. God gives you natural inclinations and desires and your personality for a reason, it is His gift, so He wants you to use them. I think at the moment I am called to married life. I think that is the best way to sanctification for me. Also in the moments I feel closest to God I feel that is what he wants me to do. I have considered religious life, and read the signs of a vocation to it, few of which I posses, and I don't think that is my calling. What I know I can work on though is recognizing the joy of a religious vocation, something I don't realize enough.

Oh of course and I should mention there are two main kinds of vocation, the universal call to holiness, which is fit everyone, and the personal calling God gives you, (there is a third, but I forgot what it was.)

And I really like what you posted Isabel!
You know what is strange, I have a cousin called Isabel who wants to be an occupational therapist!!!

Great points. I think everyone goes through that sort of thing, Lizzy, with thinking that God is forcing a person to do something they won't enjoy. Some people might even believe this up until their vocation is fulfilled, while others are just completely wrong about God's calling. The good thing is that God will always make known to one their vocation in time, and although it may not be the easiest thing, it will be the most joyful thing the person could ever experience.

Elisabeth wrote: "Lovely Isabel!
I might as well post something.
Well first of all originally the term vocation was only used in relation to the priesthood, and by a stretch the religious life. Anything else, incl..."

This is beautiful, Elisabeth!

Elisabeth wrote: "And I really like what you posted Isabel!
You know what is strange, I have a cousin called Isabel who wants to be an occupational therapist!!!"

Thank you!

Oh wow! Really?? That's really neat!!

Helena wrote: "Great points. I think everyone goes through that sort of thing, Lizzy, with thinking that God is forcing a person to do something they won't enjoy. Some people might even believe this up until thei..."

These are wise words!

Gabriella wrote: "Isabel wrote: "Alright, so, what I believe a vocation is:
1). a calling of an individual by God, for a special career (especially a religious career)
2). an inclination (or aptness) to a certain ki..."

Oh my goodness!!! Really??? YES! I'd really love to talk with you about it! That would be wonderful!!! I want to know what it's like. I know it takes a LOT of dedication but it really would be an honorable job!

Isabel wrote: "Helena wrote: "Great points. I think everyone goes through that sort of thing, Lizzy, with thinking that God is forcing a person to do something they won't enjoy. Some people might even believe thi..."

Thank you!

Isabel wrote: "Gabriella wrote: "Isabel wrote: "Alright, so, what I believe a vocation is:
1). a calling of an individual by God, for a special career (especially a religious career)
2). an inclination (or aptnes..."

It is an honorable job and I encourage you both to do it! People with Downs Syndrome and Autism are always very sweet.

Yes I agree Helena! Any ideas on your calling yet? Just wondering, if you don't want to share no pressure ☺️
That is cool Gabriella! It sounds like a fantastic job.

I'm not sure I'd like to share on GR, although I might still discuss vocation things here. 🙂
What about you (if you want to say)? Other than married life?

That's okay.
Well I don't know. I guess obviously religious life, and other than that a teacher.

That is really sweet Isabel! Interestingly enough, I don't think I have ever met anyone with down syndrome or autism.

I think I have listened to that one before.

It is a great blessing to have a vocation to religious life!
Do you have any order in mind?

Thanks, Loretta!

I have listened to their music which is heavenly.
I would love to visit them sometime, but sadly I live in the wrong country.

I am sure it is.... It is great you hot to visit them!

It was really great. I'll pray that one day you can come visit. It's such an awesome place

Thank you!
I have relatives in America, so maybe when I visit sometime...

Elisabeth, where are you at?
I'm in Michigan

Elisabeth I hope you can visit!

Scotland.
Me too.

wow! Scotland!
that's so cool!

Yes it is!

I was going to say there has to be some sort of time difference between us, because you were sending messages at 5:30 in the morning.

Yes there is. Give or six hours depending on where you are in the US.

So it's about 10 where you live?
its 4.52 here

*it's

Thanks Loretta.

Thanks, Loretta! Those look great