Another question that was in response to my blog some weeks ago is on a topic that is very near and dear to my heart and I am grateful for the inquiry.What would you say about vocations to a first grader? 
I love sharing my vocation story with all ages, especially the young. In the past years I have had the blessed opportunity to share my story with many groups in many settings. In fact, one time I spoke to a group that was comprised of students ranging from pre-school to high school. What a joy!No matter if I am speaking to adults, students at The College of St. Scholastica, or first graders I always begin the same way. I speak about the universal call to holiness. Everyone, not just Priests and Sisters are called to be holy. As people made in the image and likeness of God and by virtue of our Baptism, we are all called to be holy—to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.As we grow in grace and holiness we come to discover how we are each specifically called to live our lives of holiness. Some are called to be married. Others are called to the single state of life. Still others are called to a Church Vocation, the Priesthood or Deaconate or in Religious life as a Sister or Brother. These specific vocations are unique to each of us because God knows that we are all different. God knows the best way we can live our lives so that we find our way back to heaven! I point out to the young people that your specific vocation is different from you job or your career. I remind them that Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters can be professional scientists, artists, teachers, farmers, writers, actors, and even firefighters. I take some time to share stories about professional and Olympic athletes who have answered the call to vocations within the Church!At the end of our discussions on vocations I ask all young people two very BIG favors. First, I ask them to remain open to God. I firmly believe that God continues to call young people to vocations within the Church but I am afraid that many say “no” to God before God even has the chance to ask the question. Secondly, I ask them to pray each day that they may know their true vocation. I tell them not be afraid and to simply say…Dear God, help me to know my true vocation. Amen.
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Sister Lisa MaurerSister Lisa Maurer was born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Before entering the Monastery, she taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa made her first Monastic Profession in August 2009. Her first ministry was working at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth. Currently she is the Mission Integration Manager of the Benedictine Health System.See all of Sister Lisa’s posts. |