God’s Call to College Students and Young Adults

“What’s your major? ... uh huh ... And what are you going to do with that?”

ASK.
How many times have you had to justify your studies to those supporting you? They challenge you to lead a productive life, to contribute. God challenges you in a similar way. He gives you life and challenges you to live in love and service. How you live is up to you. Will you live as a single person? Married to one person? Or married to the community as a priest or religious man or woman? What clues has God given you to decide the path to fulfillment? Your gifts, talents, friends, family, prayer and even random strangers can all be signposts along your road to discernment.

LISTEN.
“Before the foundation of the world, the Father chose us to be holy in Christ, according to the purpose he has for all things.”
Ephesians 1:4-11

Prayer is essential to your search for God’s call to you. Only if you are speaking with God, can God speak with you.

“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

If you do not live out your calling, it will forever go unanswered. A singular crucial force in the development of humanity will be lost.

ACT.
So, are you thinking? Good. Now, about that next step … here are four things to get you started.

1. Click here to take a quiz. It’s short. It’s not graded. No one else will see.

2. Pray. But how? You can only do many “Our Father’s” and “Hail Mary’s.” But we still need to talk to God and – this is important – listen to him. Here are two sites that will give you different ideas and methods of prayer.

Online Minstries for Everyday Life – Web site with tips for praying in a busy life and reflections based on the daily readings from the lectionary.

Busted Halo.com – by the Paulist Fathers in New York. Check out “Prayer Pilot” for ways to pray and meditate. Take a look at “Faith Guides” as well.

3. Get Involved. Become part of the activities, liturgies, and service projects in your local parish or campus ministry.

CYAM – Campus and Young Adult Ministry for the Richmond Diocese. Here you will find:

• Parish and Campus contacts
• Activities specifically for Young Adults sponsored by local parishes
• Attend diocesan events such as the Discernment Dinners.

4. Contact us. Become a member of our Constant Contact group. Receive periodic information about vocations and discernment as well as updates on activities happening around the diocese.

Vocation Prayer

My Lord God, I have no idea of where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I hope that I will never do anything apart from your desire for me. I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road. Therefore I will trust you always. I will not fear for you are with me. Lord, give me courage and love and lasting dedication to your will.

Thomas Merton