GROW IN FAITH 42 – Vocation

Listening for God’s Call

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
You call each person by name.
Help us listen for Your voice.
Guide our lives according to Your will.
Amen.

Part One

God Calls

In the Bible,
God calls people personally.

He calls Abraham.
He calls Moses.
He calls Samuel.
He calls the Apostles.

When Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee,
He said:

“Come after me.”

And they followed Him.

God does not call everyone
to the same path.

But He calls everyone.

Each person has a vocation.

A vocation is a calling from God.

It is the way we are meant to love and serve Him
with our whole life.

Scripture

“Come after me.”
(Mark 1:17)

Think and Discuss

What does it mean to be called?

Why does God give each person a different path?

How can we learn to listen for God’s voice?

What helps us recognise what is right for us?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

Different Vocations

There are different ways to live out our vocation.

Some are called to marriage —
to form a family
and raise children in faith.

Some are called to the priesthood —
to serve the Church through the sacraments.

Some are called to religious life —
to live in community,
through prayer and service.

All are called to holiness.

Even now,
as children or young people,
you are living your first vocation:

To grow in faith.
To learn responsibility.
To discover your gifts.

Vocation is not decided all at once.

It unfolds slowly.

God guides patiently.

Guidance for Adults

Speak positively about all vocations.
Avoid presenting any as superior in dignity; each is a path of love and service.

Part Three

Listening and Trusting

How do we listen for God’s call?

By praying.
By receiving the sacraments.
By seeking good advice.
By growing in virtue.

God does not usually shout.

He guides through:

Peace.
Desire for what is good.
Wise counsel.
Circumstances that open or close doors.

The more we grow in holiness,
the more clearly we hear Him.

We do not need to fear the future.

God’s will is not a trap.

It is a path to joy.

When we follow His call,
we become the person He created us to be.

Every life has meaning.

Every vocation matters.

God calls each of us by name.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Imagine Jesus looking at you
and saying your name.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, I am listening.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Pray each day: “Lord, guide my life.”
• Ask a trusted adult about their vocation.
• Reflect on your gifts and strengths.
• Pray for priests, families, and religious.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Come after me.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Here I am, Lord.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for calling each of us.
Help us listen carefully
and trust Your guidance.
Lead us to the vocation
You have prepared for us.
Amen.