Abp. Aymond: Pay attention to how you are being called to use your gifts to serve God, others

Dear Young Church, My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As you are probably aware through your school or your faith formation program, we areanticipating the celebration of Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 5-11) in the Catholic Church throughout the United States.

Having a week dedicated to vocation awareness serves to remind us to pray in thanksgiving for all of those whom God has called to serve in leadership in the Church and to ask for God’s continued blessings upon them. Many men have responded to God’s call to the priesthood and the diaconate, and both women and men have responded to the Lord’s call to consecrated life.

It is important that we do not take these vocations for granted, but ask God’s continued blessings upon them as they lead and serve God’s people in the Church. 

As we look to the future, I ask the question, “Lord, who are you calling today to dedicate their lives to the Church of the future?”

I ask you, the Young church, to give this some thought. Is God calling you to serve as a priest or deacon? Is God calling you to serve as a religious sister or brother or, while remaining a member of the laity, a woman who is a consecrated virgin?

I remember when someone asked me about the possibility of my becoming a priest. My first response was, “No, not me,” but often the Lord has surprises for us!

How do we know God’s call?

Sometimes just wondering about these vocations – or just being curious – can be the beginning of God’s invitation. When that happens, it is important that we speak about it to someone who has said, “Yes!”

Very often, people say, “I’m not sure what I want to do with my life.” That’s not the issue. The real question before God is, “Lord, knowing the gifts you have given me and how much you love me, what are you calling me to do with my life in order that I may use my gifts well in serving you and others?”

God will supply the grace for whichever vocation we choose; however, the vocation God has in mind for us will bring the greatest degree of happiness and fulfillment.

I would ask all of you, as we conclude our celebration of Vocation Awareness Week, to pray, “Lord, you have given me many gifts and you love me dearly. What is it that you’re asking me to do with my life? To what vocation are you calling me?”

Let us always be open to the Lord’s surprise and to his call!

Wishing you God’s blessings, I am a brother in Christ,

Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans