Our Vocation Ministry - January 2006

Dear Friends,

I wish you blessings for this new year!

"Choices" for the New Year
Several years ago I made a News Year's Eve Retreat at the Franciscan Center, our retreat center in Tampa and during the presentation, the priest mentioned that instead of considering making resolutions, for the year, we should focus on making choices. I think that is especially appropriate for those discerning a religious vocation.

What choices do I want to consider this year?
Be aware of the choices that you are making.
Are my choices helping me in my discernment process?
Are they telling me something?


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January 4 - Feast of St. Elizabeth Seton
Jn. 1: 35-42

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for? They said to him, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day.

What are you looking for? Is it God?
Has Jesus said to you, "Come"?
Are you willing to follow...to risk and explore where God may be leading you?
If you are hesitant or afraid. Of what? Why?


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January 5 - Feast of St. John Neumann
Jn. 1:43-55

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me."

Did you ever notice how very simple it is when Jesus invites people to follow him? He quietly enters into the midst of their everyday life and gently says, "Follow me!"

Have you heard or felt a gentle "follow me" within yourself?
What are you doing about it?


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Mt. 2: 1-12

Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country another way.

The Magi, although individually called, traveled, went on the mission, with others. When it came time for them to make a decision, even though Herod had told them to go one way, they went the way that their dream or inner voice, had told them.

Do you prefer to travel life's road by yourself, or with others?
Are you making your decisions based on what others are saying, or what you feel you are being called to from within?


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National Vocation Awareness Week -- January 9-13
This week has been designated by the Church as Vocation Awareness Week. Parishes are praying for those considering religious life. Those discerning also need to pray. Here is a prayer that you may want to reflect on during the week.

Prayer to Know One's Vocation
Lord, my God and my loving Father,
you have made me to know you,
to love you, to serve you,
and thereby to find and to fulfill myself.
I know that you are in all things,
and that every path can lead me to you.
But of them all, there is one especially
by which you want me to come to you.
Since I will do what you want of me,
I pray you, send your Holy Spirit to me:
into my mind,
to show me what you want of me; into my heart,
to give me the determination to do it,
and to do it with all my love, with all my mind,
and with all my strength right to the end.

Consecrated Life Day -- February 5

Thank You For Visiting Our Website
We update our webpage frequently, so please visit us again! We welcome your ideas, suggestions, and questions. As always, feel free to contact me at (813) 870-6314, or e-mail fsavoc@aol.com.

God bless you,


To read previous monthly updates, click here.