If you would like to speak to someone about a priestly or religious vocation, including becoming a deacon, please call the Office for Vocations at the Archdiocese of LA at 213-637-7515 or go to www.LAVocations.org.

As Catholics, by virtue of our baptism, we are called to a vocation to serve and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives. Some are called to single life, others to marriage, and still others to priesthood and religious life. Ultimately, this vocation is as unique as the person who is gifted with it.

In particular, discerning a priestly or religious vocation can be a challenge, especially when others, even those close to us, may not be encouraging. Candidates for religious life should exemplify the following:

A love for the Catholic faith
Generosity
A desire to help other people
A personal relationship with God
A capacity and desire to learn
A respect for other people
Openness to other cultures and ethnic groups
Ability to work collaboratively
Good social skills
The ability to enjoy one’s own company and a variety of friendships
The courage to take risks
A healthy self-image
The ability to state an opinion that might differ from that of others
Devotion to prayer