The very beginning and ultimate end of any vocation is what our loving Father has done for us.  Life itself is a gift--infinitely multiplied by the abundant life made possible by our Baptism into the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, leading us to eternal life in the Kingdom of God.  To seek one's vocation in life is simply to ask, "What can I give in return for so great a gift?"

There are many different kinds of vocation opportunities throughout the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi (website: www.jacksondiocese.org).  Though considered American "mission" territory because of its very small percentage of Catholics (less than 5%, spread over 65 counties), the Jackson Diocese is very rich in history, faith, and outreach to the broader community.  There is great potential for evangelization and growth. 

Vocation can mean many things.  Different from a "career," in general it means a way of life rather than a type of employment.  It involves a total dedication of one's mind and heart.  Marriage is one type of vocation, requiring a daily constant "I do" to one's spouse and family.  The single life can also be approached as a vocation when it is actively embraced as a way to develop one's talents and to serve others, rather than seen as a lonely, less desirable way of life.

This site concerns the specific vocations, within the Church and the Diocese of Jackson, of the priesthood and religious life (the latter term describing various religious communities comprised of sisters, or brothers, and/or priests), with a concentration on the priesthood and references to where one can find more information about the religious life.

Discernment is the many faceted decision making process through which one discovers where the "call" of God is leading.  It involves consideration of one's talents and deepest desires, talking and listening to God in prayer, investigating the options, talking with knowledgeable people and trusted loved ones, and seeking experiences to "test the waters."

The basic requirements for any vocation in the Church are an active prayer life, a generous and joyful spirit, attraction to the liturgy, ability to collaborate with many different types of people, and the intellectual ability for the required studies.  The process of preparation is not just education but formation of the total person--one's intellect, spirituality, human potential, and ability to minister to others.  It does not require that one have all the answers and be free from doubts, but definitely requires one to be open and honest, in order to be formed for the good of God's people.
 

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God bless you!