1. Vocations

2. What is a Vocation?
Calling from God, in this case, a specific Christian lifestyle.
Single
Married
Religious/Ordained

3. #1) Single Life
Everyone starts life here, but when it becomes a permanent lifestyle, it might become a VOCATION.

4. Opportunities of Single Life
Freedom to make decisions.
Solitude for creative pursuits, resting, learning, praying
Wider Friendships possibility for lots of friends
Professional Commitment and flexibility with job/careers
A less expensive lifestyle costs less in some areas of life

5. Problems of Single Life
Egocentrism and not always as much opportunity for give-and-take relationships
Loneliness part of the human condition and can be experienced in any walk of life
No one special person possibly no companion in old age
Job Traps people expect you to be married to work
A more expensive lifestyle aren’t splitting common costs between two incomes

6. Vs. Freedom Solitude Wider Friendships Professional commitment
Less Expensive
Egocentrism
Loneliness
No special person
Job traps
More Expensive

7. Whether temporary or permanent….
…. Use singleness as an opportunity to learn more about yourself, establish a career, develop wider friendships, and explore life….
Don’t be afraid of yourself! It’s a fruitful time!

9. #2) Married Life Committed to through a sacrament.
You marry yourselves, the Church is witness.
Share love and life—AGAPE?!
Make solemn vows.

10. Why Marry? Share love and life
Create new life—established to raise children
Strengthen Identities
Bring out the Best
Support Journey in Faith

11. Marriage is Forever
“The two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no on separate.” (Mark 10:8-9)
Divorce vs. Annulment
Marriage Prep
Gay Marriage

12. 5 Key Points of Compatibility
Politics
Religion
Education
Finances
Children

13. Other variables? class career/life goals cultural background family
friends
age
medical conditions
sense of humor
emotional openness
communication skills

14. Nuns

15. Deacon

16. #3) Religious Life Holy orders vs. consecrated life Community Life
Prayer
Service

17. Vows
Poverty
Chastity
So that you can love all of humanity, respond to all needs