October is the month of the Rosary, where prayer comes alive. We’re dedicating this month to praying for and meditating on vocations. Vocations are special callings for how we are to live out our faith in our lives. A vocation is typically when someone becomes a priest, joins religious life, or remains in the world as a part of the Laity and pursues marriage. Use this page to enhance your meditations on the mysteries of the rosary, and to learn more about pursuing a vocation or supporting others in their vocations.
Resources
The Priesthood
Are you interested in becoming a Priest or Deacon? Holy Orders is an amazing vocation to continue the work of Christ by ministering to His Church and His people. To minister the sacraments, to protect God’s people, and to evangelize. It is a noble calling. Learn more about the vocation and discerning it here: https://bit.ly/3Y8fHte
Photo by Cristian Gutierrez, LC
Marriage
Are you interested in getting married and starting a family? The love between husband and wife reflects God’s love for us. Through the vocation of marriage, the world sees the depth of God’s love and sees that love is truly life giving. Learn more about the vocation and discerning it here: https://bit.ly/4eQj9yp
Photo by Daniel Ibanez
Religious Life
Are you interested in Religious Life? Some people are called to a certain type of spirituality that is meant to be lived out in community. This vocation is a life of faith is lived out with other nuns or friars. Through this extraordinary life, God is invited into every moment of the lives of the religious. Learn more about this vocation and discerning it here: https://bit.ly/3BF2saw
Photo by Amor Santo
Reflect On The Mysteries
There are twenty Mysteries of the Rosary, each representing a key moment in the Bible for meditation. The mysteries are divided into four categories: the Joyful Mysteries, which focus on the birth and early life of Jesus; the Luminous Mysteries, which center on His years of preaching and healing; the Sorrowful Mysteries, which reflect on the Crucifixion; and the Glorious Mysteries, which encompass the resurrection and beyond. Choose a mystery and reflect on what it reveals about vocations.
Joyful Mystery 1: The Annunciation
God is working through each of us. Just as Mary said “yes” to God’s call, we invite you to discern and reflect on your vocation. Is He calling you to marriage, the priesthood, or religious life? If you’ve already been called, where is He leading you?
Joyful Mystery 2: The Visitation
Some vocations belong to a certain group of people, but all vocations will have some things in common, as we see in the Visitation. When Mary became pregnant, she traveled to her family to spread the good news. Regardless of our vocation, the joy of Christ is to be shared with our loved ones.
Joyful Mystery 3: The Nativity
The miracle of when Christ came into the world. The birth of Jesus brings new life! Couples lead families and model the love of God in the home. Priests and religious nurture and work for the spiritual family of all Christians. What new life is God calling you to create?
Joyful Mystery 4: The Presentation
Strangers can see Christ working in us. Simeon recognized Jesus as the light of the world. The ordained, families, and those in religious life are called to reflect that light of Christ each day in their own unique way. How do you share Christ’s light in your vocation?
Joyful Mystery 5: The Finding In The Temple
Sometimes we see a vocation in others. When Mary and Joseph lost Jesus, they found Jesus listening to the teachers in the Temple. One day, He would be the teacher. In our lives, we may see someone fall in love with the Eucharist, Scripture, or another soul. Whatever our vocation is, may we always remember that God is working in our own lives and in those around us.
Luminous Mystery 1: The Baptism of Jesus
Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life. Parents bring a child in faith and raise them in the faith. The priest presides over the baptism and guides the soul from that moment on. Jesus’ baptism marked the start of His mission. How does your vocation shape your mission in life?
Luminous Mystery 2: The Wedding At Cana
Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding and elevated marriage to a sacrament. Through the bride and groom’s love for each other, they reflect the love of God to the world. How can you support couples in their journey?
Luminous Mystery 3: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus called others to follow Him. Are you open to hearing His call to love and serve in the vocation he calls you to?
Luminous Mystery 4: The Transfiguration
Much can be said about this mystery. We see the disciples have a deep encounter with the divinity of Christ when the Transfiguration shows the Glory of God. The life of faith continues after religious experiences. We must continue on the path of faith when we receive great graces, and when we those great moments have faded, we still continue in the spiritual life.
Luminous Mystery 5: The Institution of the Eucharist
In the Eucharist, we encounter Christ. Priests bring this gift to us, nourishing our faith. How do you live out the Eucharistic call in your life?
Sorrowful Mystery 1: The Agony In The Garden
Vocations will come with challenges along the way. Jesus prayed fervently in the Garden ultimately for God’s will to be done. In moments of doubt about your vocation, turn to prayer for guidance. He’s listening!
Sorrowful Mystery 2: The Scourging At The Pillar
In suffering, we find strength. Many who choose the priesthood or religious life embrace the sacrifices they undertake because they know those sacrifices are for the good of others.
Sorrowful Mystery 3: The Crowning With Thorns
Jesus was mocked with a crown of thorns, though He deserved a crown of gold. Though this was a great insult, He was humble enough to continue his mission. In marriage, the priesthood, or religious life, we need the courage and the humility to continue when others doubt or even scoff at our decisions to live for Christ.
Sorrowful Mystery 4: The Carrying Of The Cross
Every vocation has its crosses to bear. It is a long journey that we do not walk on alone because Christ walks and bears our crosses with us. To carry our cross is to find Christ. How do you carry yours with love and grace? Support each other in your journeys!
Sorrowful Mystery 5: The Crucifixion
Christ did not hold back his love by any measure. The ultimate sacrifice of the crucifixion was the ultimate act of love. Our vocations are acts of love, especially when they require us to deny ourselves in great sacrifices or in small sacrifices. In your vocation, how do you live out self-giving love?
Glorious Mystery 1: The Resurrection
Christ’s path to Cavalry led to victory over death for all who believe in Him. It reminds us that God works in all things, whether they are joyful, bitter, or mundane points in our lives. The vocations we are called to leads us and others to new life. How can you share this hope in your community?
Glorious Mystery 2: The Ascension
Jesus ascended to prepare a place for us. Just as He calls us to Himself, consider how He’s calling you to serve in your vocation.
Glorious Mystery 3: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
God sends us the Holy Spirit to empower us in our vocations! Whatever we are called to, we will be equipped to do it. Pray for guidance and strength as we live out our callings.
Glorious Mystery 4: The Assumption
Mary was assumed into Heaven. God willed that her body would not see corruption since her soul did not receive it either. As we pray for vocations this month, reflect on how joyful it will be to see God knowing that you have walked in the path he set for you!
Glorious Mystery 5: The Crowning of Mary
When Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven, we see the beauty of someone who responds to God’s call in fullness. As we consider the blessed Virgin’s response to God’s call for her, we pray that she wraps her mantle around all who are discerning or active in their vocation.