From Universal to Particular

As we reflect on big milestones, and look forward to future potential, we thought we’d revisit a foundational question: what does our baptism mean? Baptism with oil and water makes the baptized person as priest, prophet, and king, sharing in these offices of Jesus as well as in Jesus’ death and resurrection! The baptized is a beloved child of God who joins an immense community of love, giving and receiving God’s love in relationship. So how do we respond? Here’s a light refresher, to help us live out this universal baptismal call with renewed understanding. State of Life: Each of us is called to a particular state of life. At first, we are all single, either for a period of time or for life. From there, some discern God’s invitation to marriage and family life, becoming spouses and parents; others discern God’s invitation to religious life and/or ordination. Particular Vocations: Within those states of life, our God-given gifts and passions strive to meet the needs of our communities and our world. It could mean a profession like teaching, pastoral ministry, health-care, law, etc.; it could also mean living out a vocation alongside one’s day-job, such as volunteer service, community activism and organizing, contributing to one’s faith community, etc. Vocational Expressions: Within our vocations, our personal gifts and passions often ignite specific actions that reflect the unique personalities we each bring. A teacher may have a distinct way they formulate and teach a lesson; a doctor or nurse may have a distinct way of assessing and supporting a patient; a community organizer may have a distinct way of engaging neighbors. These are beautiful and positive demonstrations of flourishing vocational discernment that is moving to action to love and serve others.

Br. John Eustice met with young people at Maternity BVM Parish to plan a youth-led liturgy. Our hope is that by engaging with the Viatorian Community, sustaining a rich life of prayer, and seeking to respond to God’s invitations helps people live out their baptismal call most fully and richly.

Is God Inviting You to be a Viatorian? How Can You be a Companion to Others as they Discern?

Vocation Ministry is focused foundationally on identifying those men who, in responding to their baptism, consider God’s invitation to Viatorian religious life. We hope members of our communities will encourage, affirm, and invite men to consider this, and refer them to Br. John Eustice, CSV, for intentional accompaniment.

But more broadly, we also strive to help others: men who may have an invitation to diocesan priesthood or other religious communities: women who feel called to religious life; children and teens who can utilize vocational discernment as they grow and learn; and adults, both single and married, seeking to serve God by serving others and the Church.

We believe our Viatorian future, grounded in strategic planning and goals, can help us continue to do this faithfully and effectively, together with and for everyone across our communities.