VOCATION | EMC

How do you know if you are called to monastic life? Here are a few ways to discern a vocation:

Joy. It feels right. The thought of it is life-giving, exciting, energizing.
Mystery. God beyond connects with God within. No point in trying to rationalize it.
Destiny. A sense of being made for this—an “inner must” not an “outer should”.
Grace. Seems impossible—in human terms. Only God can do it.
Persistent. Won’t go away. Finally must act on it—but not in a driven way.
Risk. It may well fail. And it may succeed! Called to be faithful, not successful.
Costly. Have to be willing to give up other things. Trust that God will call others to other tasks, other gifts.
Unusual. At odds with the dominant culture. More concerned with what God thinks of me than what others think of me.
Prophetic. Holy discontent with the way things are. Willing to proclaim the truth with courage by living it with imagination.
Hope. Seeing beyond the immediate. Fix my gaze steadily on the far horizons of faith and eternity.

Called?

If you feel a call to live the monastic life, think again.

And then again.

And if you’re still thinking about it the third time around, get in touch with us if:

you seek God in Christ above all else
you want to share your life with brothers and sisters who do likewise
you want to live simply, lovingly, willingly—in poverty, chastity and obedience to God
you love silence and solitude as means to love of God and neighbour, not as ends in themselves
you are single, fit, over 25 years of age, free of debt, and willing and able to change

Then think again.

And again.

And then, before you get in touch with us ... pray,
knowing that we are praying for you,
whoever and wherever you are.