"And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Vocations
A vocation is a holy calling from God. It is quite simply being the person whom God created you to be. The Christian's basic and first vocation is the shared vocation to holiness, which we all receive through our Baptism into Jesus Christ. However, each person is called to live out that holiness in a unique way.
In the Church, we celebrate and recognize different vocations as ways in which Christians serve the Church and one another through their gift of themselves to God. People are called to Marriage, to Consecrated Life, to Single Life, and to Ordained Life. Each of these states of life are special gifts from God for the building-up of the Church. All are necessary and beautiful, and all Christians are called to one or another special vocation.
Married Life
Those called to Married Life are tasked with the call to reflect God's life and love through their giving of themselves selflessly. This gift of love is so powerful that through it, new life can be created with the cooperation and blessing of God. Children reflect the abundant grace of God and open us to a future full of hope. Marriage is the Sacrament through which this gift is shared with the world.
If you have fallen in love and are ready to make the life-long committment of Marriage, we are happy to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony with you. Click here to get more information about the process.
Consecrated Life
The Consecrated Life is a special way of living out the "Evangelical Counsels" of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Throughout the centuries, men and women have dedicated themselves completely to lives of prayer and service. As a nun or sister, monk or brother, those called to the Consecrated Life contribute to the holiness of the People of God by supporting us all in prayer.
If you feel God's call in your heart to live this life of prayer and community, feel free to contact Father Kevin, or one of our Sisters; or you can check out some of the wonderful resources on Consecrated Life that the US Bishops have provided. For more information, click here.
Holy Orders
Through Holy Orders, Jesus continues to guide and serve His Church in the persons of deacons, priests, and bishops. Those called to these Holy Orders are responsible for preaching God's Word, celebrating the Sacraments, and sharing the Church's charitable works with the world.
There are two basic ways in which men live out Holy Orders as priests: as diocesan priests, or in a religious order. If you feel the call to serve God's Church, to celebrate the Sacraments, and to preach the Word of God, please contact Fr. Kevin (410-284-6600) and he will be happy to chat with you about God's action in your life. You may also want to check out Baltimore's Vocations Office website for more information about parish priesthood.
Regardless of which vocation to which one is called, the key to knowing God's will for us is prayer. Through prayer, we come to know God's plan for our lives and we receive the courage to be able to follow it joyfully. When God calls us to a certain way of life, He is calling us to our ultimate happiness. There is joy is giving of oneself; and those who are authentically living their vocations are signs of God's love for us all.