Vocations

The Call to the Beatitudes

"Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." (Col 3:1)

At the beginning of all vocations lies an encounter with God: an encounter of love that transforms us. An encounter that leaves a longing deeper than anything previously experienced or desired. Suddenly, our earlier ways, even when good, are not enough anymore. We want more—more of Him, and a way that leads us closer to Him.

All of us are invited on this beautiful journey of getting to know Jesus more, whatever state of life God calls us. Could joining the Community of the Beatitudes as a consecrated sister or brother, or as a celibate or married layman or woman, be His call for your life? Whether you want to discover our call or want help with discernment, we are here to journey with you.

Discernment in Freedom

The universal vocation of all Christians is holiness. Your state of life is important, but remember that it is only a path to God. It is a means to holiness. It is an avenue on which you can live out your adventure with and to God beautifully.

"In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone." - St. John of the Cross

God is love and He created you because He loves you. God invites you into living out the deepest desires of your heart. Thus, being free in discernment is essential. Do not discern on the basis of fear, expectations of others, or expectations you yourself have. Instead, “be still” (Ps 46:10) and listen to God, to His loving voice.

Our Role in Discernment

It is from this necessity of discernment done in freedom that we at the Community of the Beatitudes also see our role in helping you. Only God calls you to a vocation. We offer what we can to support your discernment path, no matter where the Lord leads you.

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10)

Called on an Adventure

The call to the Beatitudes is a invitation from God to a man or a woman who is madly in love with Him and the Church, who in freedom seeks to leave everything behind and henceforth to seek Heaven. It is a call, together with men and women of all states of life, to become an intimate friend of Jesus, the Heavenly Bridegroom, to be a child of the Heavenly Father, and docile to the loving inspiration of the Spirit. It is a call of anticipating and hoping for His coming in our lives. The member of the Community thirsts to encounter the Triune God in unceasing prayer, especially in the Eucharist, and to share this love of the Divine with those he or she meets.

"The entire Community forms a unique people of God journeying toward holiness. Each member, having been captivated by Christ, though without yet having achieved perfection, will nevertheless reach toward the Lord with all their being." (Book of Life)

Called to All States of Life

One of the central components of our charism is the communion of states of life. Just like the Church, the Community consists of consecrated religious, priests and deacons as well as laypeople, both single and married.

A Good Foundation to Discern

If you are at the start of your discernment, you might wonder what you can do to approach this exciting but also often intimidating journey best. The following guidelines can be a good way to prepare your heart for whatever God has in store:

  • Be at peace. The prerequisite of any discernment is to already be at peace. God loves you, He has written your name in the palm of His hand, and whatever happens, He will bless you. Do not be afraid, and do not let discernment overwhelm you. If you are not at peace yet, focus on your relationship with God first, and consider discernment again later.
  • Spend time in prayer. If you want to know God, you have to spend time with Him, speak to Him, and listen to Him. Do not enter your times of prayer with the sole intention of receiving an inspiration about your discernment. Truly desire to meet God. Consider making the following points your four pillars in prayerful discernment:
    • Grab your Bible every single day.
    • Go to Mass and Confession as often as possible.
    • Gaze at and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
    • Glorify God by your life. Truly focus on Heaven, even if it means occasionally forgoing some of your desires and pleasures.
  • Develop a sincere desire to give yourself to others. A vocation is not simply for yourself but always a gift to the Church and to the people in your life. Do you truly discern an option from the standpoint of wanting to be a gift to God and your fellow men and women? Or is your discernment driven by your ego, by your own expectations, or by prestige?
  • Walk with friends. Just like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, do not walk alone. Share your joys and struggles in life with your friends, and share your questions and struggles in discernment with a spiritual director. Consider also going on pilgrimages, retreats, or World Youth Day to experience the global Church in communion.
  • Get to know the states of life. It’s one thing to read about the different vocational options. At some point, get to experience them in real life. Visit a religious community you are interested in, shadow a priest for a few days if you are thinking about seminary, meet with devout married couples or consecrated single laypeople and ask them about their lives. Experience the life you think God might call you to.
  • Turn to Mary. Our Blessed Mother wants to help her children. Invite her into your discernment and let her teach you how to recognize, listen and put into practice the call of God, just as she did. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux says, whoever holds Mary’s hand has nothing to fear. So, pull out your Rosary!

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jer 29:11)

Taken from our book on discernment:

"It is truly beautiful to open wide your hearts, to allow Him to enter, and to set out on this adventure with Him towards eternity. Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less." - Pope Leo XIV

Come and See!

You are discerning your vocation, are seeking guidance, or would like to experience religious life by visiting us? You are interested in becoming a member of the Community of the Beatitudes? Then reach out to us anytime! We would love to hear from you.