Answering the call: Embracing your vocation

by Allison Mosier
02/11/2025

In a world often focused on personal ambition, the Catholic Church offers a profoundly beautiful and countercultural message: true fulfillment is found in answering God’s call to a vocation. A vocation is not just a career or life choice; it is a divine invitation to live with purpose, love and service. Rooted in the Latin word vocare, meaning "to call," a vocation is a unique and sacred path to join in God’s mission and bring his kingdom to life. Embracing this calling leads to fulfillment that far surpasses worldly pursuits.

Marriage, as a vocation, shines as a vibrant testament to God’s love. It is a partnership grounded in mutual support, love and the shared mission to guide one another and their family toward holiness. Through marriage, couples share their faith in their everyday lives, nurturing relationships, raising children in faith and inspiring others to seek Christ.

Francis and Hayley Kloecker, members of St. Jude the Apostle Parish, beautifully embody this calling through their Christ-centered marriage. For them, the beauty of marriage is found in daily acts of love, support and service. “Without faith, it’s easy to fall into selfishness or frustration,” they explain. “But when we invite God into our marriage, teach our children to serve the Lord and live out our faith, his grace fills us with peace and purpose.” Their love and commitment serve as a radiant example of the joy that comes from placing God at the center of their relationship, inspiring others to embrace marriage as a vocation of hope and faith.

For those called to religious life, the journey is one of profound self-giving. Men and women in religious orders embrace poverty, chastity and obedience, dedicating their lives to serving others as educators, healthcare workers, missionaries and advocates for the vulnerable. Their lives shine as living examples of Christ’s love and the Gospel’s call to service.

The priesthood, with its sacred duty to administer the sacraments, proclaim the Gospel and shepherd God’s people, is a vocation of immense joy and purpose. Father Scott Jabo, vocations director for the Diocese of Erie, describes priesthood as “a journey of joy through service.”

He emphasizes that while no vocation is without its challenges, the joy of laying one’s life down for Christ and his church brings unparalleled fulfillment. Priests’ lives reflect the beauty of self-sacrifice, drawing countless souls closer to God.
Jubilee of Priests: June 25-27

Understanding and embracing one’s vocation begins with discernment, a prayerful journey of discovering God’s unique plan. Discernment is not simply asking, “What do I want to do?” but rather, “Jesus, what do you want me to do?” Through prayer, reflection and the sacraments, individuals open their hearts to hear God’s voice. Father Jabo encourages families and friends to support those discerning a vocation with prayers and gentle encouragement, creating space for the Holy Spirit to guide.
Jubilee of Seminarians: June 23-24

The diaconate is another vital vocation, rooted in service and love. Deacons, whether transitional or permanent, live out Christ’s call through ministries of word, liturgy and charity. They proclaim the Gospel, assist in liturgical celebrations, and serve the needs of the community, embodying the servant heart of Jesus.

Through their ministry, deacons remind us of the beauty of a life lived for others, modeling generosity, humility and joy. Their work strengthens the church’s mission of service and care, especially for the most vulnerable. Far from being a “lesser” calling, the diaconate is a complete and essential vocation, enriching the church’s life with its unique gifts.

For those considering priesthood or the diaconate, the Diocese of Erie offers resources and programs to guide their discernment. The permanent diaconate program, set to welcome a new class in January 2027, provides both pastoral and academic formation to prepare men for lives of service. Father Jabo encourages those feeling God’s call to pray for clarity and courage. “Trust in God’s timing,” he says. “Ask the Blessed Virgin Mary for her intercession, and follow her example of saying fiat — ‘let it be done.’”

Answering God’s call to a vocation, whether through marriage, religious life, the priesthood or the diaconate, is about embracing a life of profound joy and purpose. It is about saying “yes” to a life that reflects God’s love and plan, a life that brings hope to others and draws hearts closer to him. As Father Jabo beautifully puts it, “There is no greater joy than laying down your life for Jesus and his church.”

The Hidden Nun

By Maria Caulfield

Nuns in long black habits and full veils may seem like a memory of the past, seen now only as a stereotype in movies. Yet they do still exist. Hidden away in convents, monasteries and abbeys, these women follow ancient rules of prayer and work (and clothing!) in this modern world.

Sister Macrina (Catherine) Caulfield, OSB, is one such nun. She grew up in Erie, attending St. George Parish and Gannon University. Ever since she was a little girl, Catherine wanted to be a nun. In 2016, she entered Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey in Westfield, Vermont, to become a cloistered Benedictine. Sister Macrina has spent the past eight years praying, working and studying such diverse subjects as the Rule of St. Benedict, the Divine Office (also known as the Liturgy of the Hours), Latin, beekeeping and baking communion hosts. Though she remains secluded inside the monastic enclosure, hers is a life of spiritual and practical service to the wider church.

On Sept. 14, 2024, Sister Macrina fulfilled her life-long dream by pronouncing her solemn vows. The vows are threefold: stability, that she will remain a nun of Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey for the rest of her life; conversion of life, that she will live according to the Rule of St. Benedict; and obedience. After her profession and consecration, Sister Macrina received a black veil to replace the white veil she has worn thus far. Dozens of friends and family joined her in celebrating this momentous occasion.
Jubilee of Consecrated Life: Oct. 8-9

-