VOCATION & PLAN OF LIFE
In an effort to provide your teen and your family with continued formation during this year of preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, and acknowledging that the domestic church is the primary means of educating our children in our faith, we are providing families with the teaching material for this week.
To complete the lesson, please read through the material below and discuss the plan of life with your teen. This would be a great activity for each member of the family to do. The Plan of Life will not be collected as they are very personal in nature, however, please discuss within your family any thoughts or revelations that come up as you do this exercise.
VOCATION
One of the things that Christ is and will continue to ask you is 'What are you going to do with your life?' This is an important question, because it deals with the topic of 'Vocation'. A vocation is not just your future occupation, but is your calling from God to the service of the Church and the world. Traditionally, the Church has identified three vocations:
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Holy Orders: Where a man is ordained for Sacramental ministry in the Church;
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Religious Life: Where a man or woman takes vows of poverty, chastity and obedience; joins a religious community and takes part in their apostolate, or ministry;
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Laity: Married or single men and women whose primary responsibilities including raising a family and/or bringing Christ to the world.
Although the actual choosing of your vocation is still far away, you have options today that will help you come to understand God's call in your life. Remember that a goal without a plan is just a wish.
If you don't keep the end/goal in mind, you may never reach it. So, you have to begin to take some steps, even if that means changing along the way. God sets us on a plan, but we have to work with Him. God is counting on us to work out our salvation. We must be ready to do whatever He asks (John 2), we must be ready to change if need be. Work on surrendering every part of your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Many people struggle with giving Christ complete control and nothing will prepare you better for your vocation than to learn how to give Christ control of your life. The fundamental question you have to look at is, ‘Are you open to God's call in your life?’
Please print out at read over the 'Plan of Life' Handout (link below), then, fill out the 'Plan of Life' Worksheet (included in the Handout).
Set Goals for each area of your life listed on the sheet, with objectives to each goal for the next 6 months. Here you will be writing things you want to do and accomplish over the next six months that will help you give your life more over to Christ.
A Goal is 'what' you want to accomplish (I want to spend more quality time with Jesus in prayer).
An Objective is 'how' you will accomplish your goal (I will spend 10 minutes every morning and evening in quiet prayer with Jesus).
Make the objectives as practical and specific as possible.
Keep the worksheet card in a place where you will see it regularly. Use Pencil: Don't feel afraid to change them as time goes on.
When you have completed the lesson, as a family or alone, pray the following prayer, the Sub Tuum Praesidium (Under Your Protection).
It is the oldest prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, going back to the third century.
We turn to you for protection
Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers
And help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger
Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Amen.