Discerning Your Vocation
As Catholics, we believe that God has given each of us a unique vocation. Some of us are called to become priests or deacons, others religious and consecrated, and still others married or single laypeople. Although vocations can be grouped into these different categories, the truth is that everyone's vocation is completely unique, and there are as many vocations as there are people!
Some people don't work to discern their vocation because they are afraid that God will call them to a vocation that they don't like or want. This is a HUGE mistake! The truth is that God made you for your particular vocation: your vocation is actually the only thing that can ever fulfill you and make you truly happy, because it's what you were created to do. People who discern their vocation and embrace it usually report feeling a strong sense of being "at peace" or "at home."
If you are trying to discern your vocation, pray about it, and watch vigilantly for signs. God will reveal your vocation to you in time. For more information, contact the rectory at (301) 373-2281 to set up a time to meet with the pastor.
In the meantime, consider visiting some of these websites:
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Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (fraternity of priests devoted to the celebration and preservation of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite)
The Permanent Diaconate (from the USCCB)
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The Discalced Nuns of the Carmel of Port Tobacco (women's religious community located in Port Tobacco, MD)
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The Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph (men's religious community based in New York, NY)
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (women's religious community based in Ann Arbor, MI)
Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (women's religious community based in Nashville, TN)
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Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (men's religious community based in Irondale, AL)
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Benedictine Monks of Clear Creek Abbey (men's religious community based in Hulbert, OK)
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Institute of the Incarnate Word (men's religious order with Formation House in Chillum, MD)
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The Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (women's religious order with Provincial House in Washington, DC and Formation House in Upper Marlboro, MD)