Sister of Charity Kathleen Bryant writes in her book Vocations Anonymous: A Handbook for Adults Discerning Priesthood and Religious Life, most young adults who enter a seminary or formation program for a religious community describe a gentle and persistent invitation that from time to time comes into their lives and tempts them to think about priesthood or religious life. It is not dramatic, it doesn’t contradict their present value system, and it is often recurring. Most young adults experience this call more persistently after they have achieved significant goals: they have earned their bachelor’s or masters degree, have started to climb the corporate ladder or they have found the job they thought they always wanted … and end up wanting “something more.” That something “more” is often described as a call. “I want to be more” or “I want to give more” is frequently heard in this call.
“I think what [attracts people] to vowed vocations today is a communal support in their call, a clear sense of identity and mission, especially if it involves service to the neediest of society,” Ryan said. “They might also be looking for a little more structure than is found in their existing lifestyles.”
Tags: Youth
