What is a vocation?
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Simply put, a vocation is a calling, received in Baptism and sealed in Confirmation, from God to be holy in a specific way of life. It is not a career; not something that you do but what you are. All of the baptized are called to be holy as single or married persons, consecrated sisters or brothers, deacons, priests, or bishops.
"All are equally called to follow Christ, to discover in him the ultimate meaning of their lives, until they are able to say with the Apostle: 'For to me to live is Christ' ( Phil 1:21). But those who are called to the consecrated life have a special experience of the light which shines forth from the Incarnate Word . For the profession of the evangelical counsels makes them a kind of sign and prophetic statement for the community of the brethren and for the world; consequently they can echo in a particular way the ecstatic words spoken by Peter: 'Lord, it is well that we are here'
(Mt 17:4)" (Vita Consecrata, n.15) .
No matter what one does for a career, he is called to be in communion with God and thus to be holy.
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Is there an age limit to join?
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We generally limit entrance to people in their forties. We do not have a fixed rule since we judge people's readiness for ministry, their background, and ministerial experience on an individual basis.
Certain circumstances cause people to discern their vocation in their forties. We like to know what these areas are before we make a decision, as well as the gifts and talents that a person has that may or may not fit with our Congregation's charism and way of life.
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What do you do all day?
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We pray morning prayer (Lauds) and evening prayer (Vespers) from the Liturgy of the Hours together. Daily, and in community if possible, we celebrate the Eucharist. Since we primarily staff parishes, Mass is usually celebrated with the parish community. Some communities, however, might also have a Conventual Mass, that is one which is offered for the community. Faithful to the tradition received from our Founder, we spend at least one hour each day in prayer before the Eucharist, normally exposed. This prayer forms part of our mission and has priority in the life of each religious.
Meal times vary, with breakfast and lunch on one's own; many religious are around at different times of the morning and afternoon to eat together. Sometimes, there are staff luncheons with the generous people with whom we work. Dinner is taken together in common, with some communities cooking their meals together. Most communities have a cook for many of the evening meals. Often, we gather prior to the evening meal to share community life and the stories of one's day and ministry.
The vitality of our communities depends to a large extent on regular meetings at which everyone shares his personal joys and difficulties. At our gatherings we examine the goals and objectives of the community and evaluate our part in achieving them.
The rest of one's own day is filled with the particular ministerial task of the religious. Our religious do many different things, from parish ministry to writing, teaching, chaplaincy, etc., all trying to witness to our Eucharistic life and spirituality.
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Are you cloistered or apostolic?
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We are an apostolic community! While our houses have private areas, we also have visitors in for socials and meals.
Our communities do not live for themselves, but create an environment wherein our religious search for God and make His love known to everyone.
Our mission, modeled after Father Eymard, is to respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God's love manifested in the Eucharist.
Gathered in the name of the Lord, we are called to live in the Church as brothers. Our ideal is to live the mystery of the Eucharist fully and to make known its meaning, so that Christ's Kingdom may come and the glory of God be revealed to the world.
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Are you allowed to take
vacations and visit your family?
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Every year we are allowed a month of vacation where we may visit family and friends. For anniversaries we may take a pilgrimage in honor of that milestone.
Studies and ministry may also allow one to travel to different parts of the world. Occasionally an individual religious is invited to be a chaplain on a Marian or Holy Land pilgrimage. Days of recollection and annual retreats are special opportunities for personal renewal.
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What are your living
conditions like?
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Each religious has his own room, which he can decorate and arrange to his own liking. Some religious who are engaged in ministry might also have an office either in the rectory or at the ministry location.
Every rectory or house has common areas, such as the chapel (oratory), dining room (refectory), community lounge, TV room, and perhaps a library. In each house the community reserves for itself areas of silence, prayer, and study. We willingly welcome guests in areas set aside for this purpose.
Come and see for yourself!
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Do you wear special clothing?
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We do not have a religious habit. In some communities, the religious wear an alb for all liturgical celebrations. Most of our religious engaged in ministry tend to wear clerical garb (i.e., the Roman Collar).
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How do you choose where to
live and what ministry you do?
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We discern how we can best be of service to the Congregation and Church with our Provincial Superior, the local communities, and each other. The community is very respectful of the gifts and talents of the individual religious and his call to certain ministries.
We have an "open listing" of assignments available to religious across the United States, for which we can apply or be nominated.
Choosing to live in community where, with our brothers, we search for the will of God, and attentive to the signs of the times and the pressing demands of the Kingdom, we take an active part in drawing up and implementing a community project, which is to be approved by the Superior.
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How do you determine
various house duties?
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One determines his duties by the gifts, talents, and abilities that he has. For instance, if one is a good cook, and loves to share his gift of cooking, we have him share in the cooking!
We each have responsibilities and tasks that we share and talk about together so that each knows the needs and abilities of others at certain times.
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What vows do you
profess and why?
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By our profession of religious life we respond to the call of the Lord who invites us to leave all things to follow Him, and we publicly commit ourselves within the Church to live in chastity, poverty, and obedience.
The reason for these vows, in short, is that religious profession incorporates us into a community of brothers and expresses our determination to live the Gospel in a radical way.
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Why can't religious be married?
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During His life, Jesus remained totally free to devote Himself to the Kingdom. Following in His steps, we vow ourselves to perfect celibate chastity. We attach ourselves to Christ and His mission.
"The chastity of celibates, as a manifestation of dedication to God with an undivided heart (cf. 1 Cor 7:32-34), is a reflection of the infinite love" of God. (cf. Vita Consecrata, n. 21).
Our vows express our consecration to God in the service of our fellow human beings, and witness to a world yet to come in the spirit of the Beatitudes.
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Do you give up your freedom
when you vow obedience?
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The short answer is no!
After the example of Christ who, out of love, completely fulfilled His Father's will, even to the giving of His life, we profess (vow) obedience, in order to serve our brothers better and share in the mission of the Congregation.
By the vow of obedience we commit ourselves, in docility to the Holy Spirit, to obey our legitimate superiors according to our Rule of Life as well as the Holy Father, our highest superior.
When lived in trust, faith and self-denial authority and obedience complement each other and foster true brotherhood.
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How do you provide
for yourself if you
vow poverty?
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Like Jesus, we wish to live a life of poverty. Poverty proclaims that God is our only real treasure. Our life is marked by simplicity and moderation. By putting all our resources in common, we free ourselves from all attachment to riches so that we may depend entirely upon God.
We work to earn our keep and to share what we have with our brothers, like the early apostolic community:
"All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.... They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need." Acts 1:14; 2:42-45
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What should I do if I think
I'm called to be a
Blessed Sacrament Religious?
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First it is important to be active in your parish or campus ministry and speak to someone about your desires and thoughts such as your parents, a priest, a teacher, a religious sister or brother or a close friend.
You don't have to be certain, but if you're considering this vocation probably the most important thing to do is pray about it, especially before the Blessed Sacrament, and participate in Mass on a regular basis.
If you feel that you would like to continue pursuing this possibility, you may contact your own parish priest or the vocation minister here.
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What if I'm not ready to apply?
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You are not alone. We have many men who come to see and experience our way of life at our Come and See weekend retreats. You might want to meet regularly with a spiritual director or your parish priest. The vocation minister will help you through the discernment process. Call (440) 442-7243 or e-mail us at sssvocations@blessedsacrament.com
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What Does "S.S.S." Mean?
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This stands for three Latin words, Societas Sanctissimi Sacramenti, which in English translates to Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
These letters after our name mean that we have professed vows to God in this religious congregation.
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