The Rich Young Man | Matthew 19:16-21

Now someone approached him and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother’; and ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

For those who have entered the religious life, many whom have shared their testimony have said that this bible story resonated with them and opened their eyes to hear God’s calling. Whether this resonates with you are not, it is important to know what a religious vocation is.

What Is A Religious Vocation?

From Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J. SRV Chaplain

A religious vocation is a special grace that God gives to certain persons, calling them to a life of the evangelical counsels.
There is more than passing value in stressing the fact that a religious vocation is a grace. It is, therefore, a gift and an opportunity that must be freely responded to if the grace is not to remain sterile and ineffective. We used to speak, and perhaps still do, of promoting religious vocations. Actually, we cannot promote vocations. Either God gives them or they don't exist. We can only discover what God has given and then foster a vocation that is presumably there.
But how do you discover a true vocation? The expression "true vocation" is not casual. It is critically important in an age when so many once-promising vocations seem to have been lost.
What are some typical features of a true vocation to the religious life? I would emphasize especially three:
(1) a strong faith in the Catholic Church and her teaching, shown by a firm loyalty to the Vicar of Christ;
(2) a love of prayer, at least the capacity for developing a desire for prayer; and
(3) a readiness to give oneself to a life of sacrifice in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
The practical question arises of how to recognize a true vocation to the religious life. The need for recognizing a vocation is so important that everything else is secondary. I believe that if every prospective candidate were to make a private retreat, even for a few days, under a competent priest, it would help immensely. The retreat could be especially geared to a person who thinks that he or she has a vocation to the religious life. Then, during the retreat, in an atmosphere of silence and prayer, ask God to enlighten one's mind as to whether or not He is calling the person to a life of Christian perfection. This, in fact, is one of the original purposes of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: to discover and decide on one's state of life.
The future of religious life is very promising, but the promise depends on certain premises, of which the first and most important is that God has given not just the initial call but the assurance of a lifetime of His supernatural grace to those who want to serve Him in the religious life.

Here are helpful videos to help you navigate through your curiosities of the Religious Life!

Called- College Seminary, by the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Two Chesterton Academy of the Twin Cities alumni are featured in a recent video produced by the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Check out the video to hear Jonas Reed and Patrick Storms (both Class of 2023) share their thoughts on the discernment process of joining the Saint John Vianney College Seminary.

The Church Needs Holy Priests, by Spiritual Formation from the Norbertine Canons of St. Michael's Abbey.

All or Nothing: Sr. Clare Crockett- Full Movie

A budding actress leaves her career and the open doors to fame behind to give her life to God. Some might see this as a total failure. But was it? Those who knew Sr. Clare speak in this film. After her tragic death in the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, the failure might be seen as having reached its devastating end. Yet, many think that the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to the Servant Sisters’ archives with over 15 years of photos and videos of Sr. Clare’s life, HM Television presents this documentary to show you the real-life story of this Sister who gave her ALL to God, keeping NOTHING back.

Undivided Heart, by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia

A day at the Convent, by the Pro Ecclesia Sancta Sisters at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent

3 Ways Parents Help Their Children Discern, from Jackie and Bobby Angel on Ascencion Presents

As parents entrusted with children, part of your own vocation is to support theirs. Sometimes we forget that our children are forging their own way with the Lord as we continue on our own as adults. Today, Jackie and Bobby explain how to support your kids’ vocations by surrendering them to the Lord’s will.

There are many more great vocational videos available that highlight different charisms and ways of life. If there is a calling to the religious life, discerning in what community will be the next step. Don’t overwhelm yourself in trying to figure it all out at once. Wherever you may find yourself on your vocational journey, seek the Holy Spirit in prayer.

Prayer for individuals seeking a religious vocation from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Loving God,
your Son, Jesus, has shown us that an open heart finds the way. Help me to find my way in this world.
Keep my heart open to following Jesus' way of serving others in love.
Give me the courage to accept the guidance you offer me through my family, my friends, and my parish community.
Through the Holy Spirit, you call me to a particular way of life.
If it is the way of a priest, sister, brother or deacon, then help me to walk it in joyful service to your people.
With you, my God, I know I can find my way.
Amen.

Prayer of Vocations, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.
Bless the Church of ______________ by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call.
We ask this through our Lord. Amen.