Vocation awareness retreat slated for June

In June, Catholic men and women between the ages of 18-35 will have a unique opportunity to support each other in their quest to discover God’s plan for them. The Vocations Office of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, assisted by a volunteer committee of women religious, is hosting the first Diocesan Vocation Awareness Retreat the weekend of June 20-23 at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center.

Based on the conviction that God has made everyone for a purpose, the effort to discover that purpose is called “discerning my vocation.” The weekend retreat is designed to help young adults discover that purpose, to explore vocations to which they may be called.

Discernment can never be done alone; so priests and seminarians, religious and those in religious formation, members of lay organizations who wish to support vocation discernment will all join their efforts to assist in this discernment occasion.

Some young adults may never have discerned seriously, others may just be starting to think about it and still others may already be deep into discernment. Wherever they are in their journey, they will have the time, setting and opportunity of gaining information; meeting those living the lives they are thinking about; and sharing with those pursuing the same quest through discussion, fellowship and prayer.

Originally designed by the Serra Club to assist young adults in discovering God’s plan for them, this retreat structure—identified as Life Awareness Retreat—has been used successfully by dioceses in Texas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Participants’ comments at the end of the retreat reflect enthusiasm for the opportunity:

“This was an amazing experience that has changed my life.”

“It was nice knowing I have different paths I can choose.”

“It changed the way I see things.”

“[It] gave me the confidence to enter the religious life.”

“I rediscovered joy. I discovered I’m not alone on this journey of discernment.”

“This was the most spiritual and wonderful experience of my life. It has taught me about myself and God…”

For anyone who is seeking to know God’s call, attending this retreat is a timely opportunity. For more information, call the Vocations Office at (361) 882-6191. To register online go to ccpriest.org/retreat