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Vocations
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The National Catholic Church of North America
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| Bishop Bill during the Ordination of Reverend Aurore Barrett |
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| Father David blessing Reverend Aurore at her Ordination |
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| Bishop Bill during the Ordination of Father Jim |
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| Newly Ordained Father Jim at his Ordination |
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Question?
Do I have a vocation?
Without a doubt, YES!
Each of us is called by God to stand in His presence. Every moment of our lives we are invited by God to respond to His love and to actualize our lives through a God-centered experience.
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Well, if I have a vocation, what does that mean, and what do I do with it?
Each of us is a unique expression of God's Loving Plan and as such each of us has a vocation that is as unique as we are. What it is and what we do with it is the real challenge of our lives.
The first step is to discern where our vocation is leading us. At one time the concept of vocation was a pretty simple matter, the only question was "Should I become a priest, brother, nun?" or "should I stay a Lay person?"
In the catholic experience, this was an easy matter to deal with. The qualifications for "religious" life were such that most people had the matter settled for them. No married, no divorced, no sexually active, etc., etc., etc. But with the growth of apostolically valid independent Catholic churches, the question of vocations to religious life has opened up to a greater number of people.
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Priesthood, religious leader life? Me??? You've got to be kidding!!!
No, I'm not kidding. The National Catholic Church of North America, which is part of the Independent Catholic movement, believes that fulfilling a call from God regardless of marital status, gender, educational limitations and such is essential to the diversity of God's love. We open our door to all of God's Children at whatever level to which He leads them.
Well, how do I decide if this is the road I'm called to walk on?
The first step on any journey must begin with prayer. Ask for God's help and don't be afraid of the answer. God has given us the grace of faith communities so that we have help to discern His will. Talk with friends about your options. Be aware that you will get negative reactions as well as positive; just accept it as part of the process.
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| Father David St. John |
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I don't have an Independent Catholic Church in my area who can I talk to?
All you have to do is respond on-line or call. We are here to be of service. We may not have all the answers and sometimes we may not even know the questions, but simply by sharing our experiences we can discern God's call within our lives. Consider the possibility that the very fact that you don't have an Independent Catholic jurisdiction in your area may be God's way of showing you your call to start participating in His plan.
What if I was or am involved in religious life but am looking for a more fulfilling vocation?
The National Catholic Church of North America, an Autocephalous Jurisdiction, invites you to participate with us in actualizing God's plan. We offer incardination and open communion to all who wish to share our journey.
So What do I do now?
Just contact us. Let us know what you are thinking and where you think God is leading you.
Reverend Dr. Aurore Leigh Barrett
Vocation Director
reverendaurore@cox.net
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