Diocesan Office of Vocations
Rev. Edmund J. Penisten
Diocesan Director of Vocations
433 Jackson St., Ketchikan, AK 99801
(907) 225-2570 (office)
907-617-1799 (cell)
fr_edmund@hotmail.com
The Office of Vocations is responsible for encouraging young people to prayerfully consider what God is calling them to do with their lives. While the primary focus is on encouraging young men to consider the priesthood, guidance is also offered for exploring one's vocation as a sister, brother, or single lay person.
The word vocation comes from vocare. It means "to call." This word is often misused. Often it is used to describe an occupation or a profession. While these may be a part of a person's vocation and a means to express vocation, there are very different. A calling must be in response to a caller. The oldest sense of this refers to God. Scriptures provide us with numerous models of call.
Samuel was called in the night. He went from his bed three times to answer a call before he realized that the call was from God.
Moses was called by his encounter with the burning bush. He chose to answer the call to bring God's people out of Egypt.
Mary's call was through the angel Gabriel.
Paul was knocked from his horse and then he started to proclaim and gather people to Christ's life.
What about YOU... Have you heard the call to serve in the Church?
A New Website
A NEW website, www.ForYourVocation.org, is was launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in conjunction with World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 25, 2010.
The Web site has two objectives: to help individuals hear and respond to the call by God to the priesthood or consecrated life, and to educate all Catholics on the importance of encouraging others through prayer and activities to promote vocations. The site offers resources for men and women who may have a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, aids for promoting a vocation-culture within the home, and tools for educators, youth leaders and vocation directors including prayers, videos, best practices, lesson plans and vocation awareness programs.