Welcome to the Vocation page of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
The word ‘vocation’ comes from a Latin word vocare which means to call.
Through baptism, each individual has a call to follow Christ and people do that in a number of ways. These are recognised as marriage, single life, religious life and ordained ministry. Through these states of life individuals are called to develop their personal gifts for the building up of the Kingdom of God in their place. Through the vocation to follow Jesus all are called to the service of others and for the sake of others.
- In marriage couples devote themselves to God through commitment to each other and then in turn to their family life
- In religious life men and women who are called to serve God and the community in either an active or contemplative lifestyle and who live in a community
- In single life men and women, whether by choice or circumstance, serve God and the community of the Church by serving others through the use of their gifts in whatever circumstance this may be
- Those living the ordained life, through priesthood or the permanent diaconate, are men who are called to the service of God and the Church through serving their parish and diocesan community.
Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full" (Jn 10:10). You may feel that, through the gift of a vocation, you can live your life to the full, in Christ. To help with the discernment of a vocation, or to simply know more about the vocation choices, contact the Bishop's Office.
