The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
Called by Christ
What is a vocation?
The Lord knows you inside and out. He desires for you to have life, and to have it abundantly (Jn 10:10). He has a special plan for each person — called our vocation — which is how He calls us to pursue holiness and communion with Him through a particular way of life: single life, married life, consecrated life, or the priesthood.

Your own vocation will come with unique opportunities, responsibilities, and sacrifices that will affect how you live your life and grow deeper in holiness. It is important for anyone discerning their vocation to spend time in prayerful conversation with the Lord and, in faith and humility, seek to honor His will — wherever, whenever, and however He calls.
“Be patient, for God will lead you through the unknown and in wonderful ways to help you discover His will.”
— Sister Angelita, O.S.F.

Tips for Discernment

Each person’s vocation is unique, and discerning your vocation is an important time to discover the beautiful, individual plan God has written for you from eternity. As we enter into our vocation, we can see ever more clearly the special way God calls us to love Him and be loved by Him.

1. Receive the Sacraments.

Go to confession regularly (at least once a month). Prepare yourself ahead of time and receive Christ in the Eucharist at least at Sunday Mass. Participating in Mass daily is wonderful if you can do it.

2. Pray!

While we discern our vocation, we encounter so many voices telling us what we should or should not do with our lives. But which one is God? If you want to recognize His voice and trust His call, you’re going to have to get to know Him. You get to know Him by spending time with Him in prayer. Go to Eucharistic Adoration if you can. And ask Him what He wants you to do.

3. Live the life.

Another way to help yourself during your discernment is to live as the Lord calls you in the present moment. Focus on becoming a faithful woman of God, here and now, and be the best daughter, sister, etc. to others that you can be.

4. Read.

Read and meditate on the Scriptures, spiritual classics, and the lives of the saints.

5. Get help.

The Christian journey is not meant to be traveled alone. Talk to your confessor, spiritual director, a vocation director, a priest or religious, a person who is a friend of God….

Above all, remember: The Lord loves you and wants you to be happy. He made you and knows what will make you happy better than you do. He loves your loved ones more than you do and wants their happiness as well. He is all-powerful and all-knowing; His plans for you are not only for your good but also for the good of everyone else. Trust Him!

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The Holy Spirit is the one who guides us toward our vocation. When a young woman prays and walks alongside our Lord in discernment, she may recognize a desire placed on her heart to give her life in a special way for the salvation of souls. She may hear Christ calling her by name, saying: “Come.” She may also feel an attraction toward a religious community’s particular charism or apostolate.

Perhaps the Lord is calling you to explore the life and spirit of our community. If you would like to discuss your discernment or learn more about us, we would be delighted to hear from you.
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Prayer for Discernment

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes;
  and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep thy
   law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of thy commandments,
   for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to thy testimonies,
   and not to gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
   and give me life in thy ways.
Confirm to thy servant thy promise,
   which is for those who fear thee.
Turn away the reproach which I dread;
   for thy ordinances are good.
Behold, I long for thy precepts;
   in thy righteousness give me life!

(Psalm 119: 33 - 40 RSVCE)

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