Vocations

Discerning Your Vocation

Priesthood

The ministerial priesthood is indeed a special calling. These are the ones sent to gather the harvest. Jesus tells us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Lk 10:2). These men “give themselves to God who is loved above all and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 916). They are charged with the mission to increase the Kingdom of God through their preaching and as the dispensers of the sacraments. For more information on the Florida seminaries, click here.

Diaconate

The diaconal ministry of service is a very ancient and a very beautiful ministry in the Church. Through deacons, God desires to provide for the needs of His people and especially the needs of the poor. The permanent diaconate is an ordained ministry along with the priesthood and the episcopacy. Permanent deacons preach and teach, assist priests and bishops in the celebration of the Eucharist and oversee ministries of charity and justice. In the Archdiocese of Miami, the permanent diaconate is open to both married and unmarried men between the ages of 31 and 60 with a strong Catholic faith and a solid reputation and character. Candidates must be in full communion with the Church. Men interested in the permanent diaconate should contact their parish pastor who is responsible for the nomination phase of the application process.

Religious Sisters

Women have served in the Catholic Church since its earliest days and inhabit unique roles within it. Religious sisters serve the Church and community in many ways from caring for the poor, providing education, helping the sick, and engage in missionary work and religious ministry. Ever wonder if God might be calling you to become a Catholic nun or sister? Don’t know where to begin now that you feel drawn to looking into religious life? To learn more about the different religious communities for women click here.