What's in a vocation?

There has been much talk in recent years about a vocation crisis in the Catholic Church, particularly among young adults. Discussions of a vocation crisis usually focus on a lack of men and women entering the priesthood and religious life. Late last week, Jamie Manson, a blogger for the National Catholic Reporter, provided an interesting piece on this debate. Her article is in response to a statement made by Cardinal Franc Rode, which argues that modern secularization is to blame for a lack of young adults pursuing vocations in religious life. After detailing some ways she sees the church as losing touch with its young adults, she argues that young adults have been pursuing a wide variety of vocations outside the priesthood and religious life, including lay ministry, social work and work in social justice fields.

Just this past fall, on our Spirit @ Work Retreat, we talking about looking for our spiritual calling in the work and lives we have chosen. As you look upon your own professional and personal choices, do you feel a sense of vocation in what you have done? Where is the spirit calling you?

-Jesse