1. YEARN, LEARN AND DISCERN Youth Ministers: CHOSEN BY CHRIST

2. Opening Prayer: O Great and glorious God, We pray to you to illumine the darkness of our hearts. Instill within us a correct faith, a firm hope and a perfect love. Lead us Lord that we may come to know you and that, knowing you, we may truly accomplish your holy will in all that we do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. What is Vocation? The word vocation comes from the Latin verb “vocare”, meaning “to call”.

4. A vocation is God’s unique invitation, addressed to individual persons in which a free response is expected. This response is not a single act, but a life-long process, a journey of faith. We do not “have” a vocation; we discover how we “are” our vocation as we journey through life led by the Spirit.

5. An individual discovers their vocation at various stages of life and in relationship with others: 1.When the person is loved and appreciated by others 2.When the person is attracted by the example of others 3.When the person becomes aware of the needs of others 4.When the person prays and meditates on the Word of God

6. By whom am I called?  To whom must I submit my life?  Who is this “ ONE ” who invites me into a loving relationship and calls me to be transformed in that love?  What does this relationship mean for my life now and in the future?  Who is God and what place does God have in my life?

7. To what am I called?  What lifestyle and word best facilitate my vocation?  What concrete circumstances in life should I choose- in so far as that is reasonable and possible –to promote this loving relationship?  To what extent does my current lifestyle reflect on awareness of vocation?

8. Three essential elements of vocation: 1.Vocation is a gift. 2.Vocation is a free option. 3.Vocation to serve. If one of these elements is missing it is not a vocation.

9. General Vocation: Life and Faith 1.Our first vocation is to be and live fully. 2. The culmination of vocation is faith.

10. Specific Vocations: Lay and Consecrated 1. The Lay Person is a Christian committed to living the baptismal promises in the diversity of human realities. The vocation of the layperson is the transformation of this world to the kingdom of God.

11. a.Laypersons in marriage b. Laypersons in single life

12. The Consecrated Person - is a Christian who receives the call to be available with all his/her strength, qualities, intelligence, time, capability to love and creativity, in order to proclaim the kingdom of God, serving and caring for others.

13. The Consecrated Person 1.Consecration through the sacrament of ordination 2.Consecration through the evangelical vows

14. God ’ s Word as source of Vocation: 1.A situation of human necessity. 2.God takes the initiative. 3.The person presents obstacles. 4.God overcomes fears. 5.God expects a “ yes ”.

15. "A Priest, Brother or Sister is the greatest gift that the good LORD could give to a family. When a person leaves to join the religious life, the LORD HIMSELF takes the place of that person in the family." - St. John Bosco -

16. Christ is the center of Vocation Who is Jesus to me? How will I fulfill His mission?

17. How can I discover the will of God for me?

18. Vocation Discernment Discernment – the art of finding God ’ s will in the concrete situations which confront each one of us. It is the activity of our conscience, in freedom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in search of a decision which embodies one ’ s whole life.

19. Guidelines for discernment: 1.A gradual process 2.Freedom and responsibility 3.Action of the Holy Spirit 4.Ask for spiritual direction 5.An option to be taken

20. Some practical remarks: 1.The age of the person is also to be taken into consideration. 2.I do not have the right to keep questioning my vocation, unless there are very important reasons that urge me to do so. 3.Problems are part of vocation and opportunities of growth.

21. 4. Never make decisions during moments of confusion or emotional strain. 5. In case of doubts, it is wiser to say no. 6. Inadequate motivations should be pinpointed immediately 7. Disposition of the soul: a “ blank check ” attitude towards God ’ s will. 8. Do no forget that vocation is a mystery of grace. The Lord calls whoever he wants and in the way He wants

22. Quotes for reflection “ God who is love is the only essential. ” “ Seek the will of God: nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. ” “ To know God ’ s will is not always to understand it. ”

23. Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank you for this day. We do believe that you understand us better than we do ourselves, thus, we find comfort and security in you. You are willing to change us if we allow you to. Please renew us, transform us into that someone you want us to be; teach us always what to do and lead us to where you want us so we can better serve and love you all the more. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.