News from Total Catholic

young seminarian Vocations Guide

These pages have been prepared in conjunction with The Universe and The Catholic Times, in order to encourage all baptised people to consider the nature of vocation in their lives, be they religious or lay.

Whatever the path we are travelling through this world, it can be lived out in a variety of ways. As Catholics and Christians we are called upon to make that journey in the spirit of vocation, living it as a witness to our faith, as models of Christ.

Whether you are considering a commitment to the religious life, or are looking for ways in which you can enhance the spiritual depth of you daily life, I hope this information will offer you some helpful signposts along the way.

Joseph Kelly, Editorial Director
e-mail joseph.kelly@totalcatholic.com

Nuns Why a vocation?

Read testimonies from those who have already answered their vocational calling:

Sr Gabriel Davison
Poor Clare nun of the Arundel community

Sister Dominic Savio Hamer CP
Sisters of the Cross and Passion

Sister Shirley
Franciscan Sister Minoress

Tony Doherty
Knights of St. Columba

Mary Eardley
Caritas Christi

Father Paul Fox
Priesthood and Prison Chaplaincy

George Gordon cfc
Christian Brother

Orders

Click on the names below for contact details and information on various orders

Missionary and Social Justice

Although all those engaged in a religious life are missionaries, this refers to those explicitly on missions abroad or at home. As well as spreading the word of God, they are also involved in social justice issues, helping to alleviate the plight of the poor and marginalised. Click here for a list of missionary/social justice orders.

Contemplative

Religious orders committed to living a life of seclusion from the world. The members are engaged in prayer, study and manual work. Click here for a list of contemplative orders

Lay Associations

Varying in their rules and outlook, Lay Associations are engaged in a variety of activities. The members commit their lives to God and form a community by meeting regularly. However, they continue to live in their own homes, following various career paths.

Teaching and Caring

Orders devoted to teaching in a variety of scenarios; not only do members teach in primary and secondary schools, they may also be involved in adult education or helping those with special needs. Those involved in caring cover a vast spectrum, from acting as nurses to caring for orphans, the old or the handicapped.

Priesthood

The ministry of the priesthood is one of the most well known. Less heard of are the different forms this can take, such as prison or army chaplaincy.