Fostering a vibrant vocational culture in parishes to answer God’s call

HOUSTON — The journey to discovering one’s vocation — whether to the priesthood, religious life, marriage or single life — can be a deeply personal struggle, often shaped by the community and influences surrounding an individual. In the Catholic Church, a vocation is a unique response to God’s call to serve in the world, yet many find it difficult to discern their path without guidance. 

The Office of Vocations of the Archdiocese offers essential support through events and activities that guide individuals in their discernment, helping them stay rooted in Christ.  

Father Richard McNeillie, director of the Office of Vocations, envisions parishes as places where individuals can discover and live out their vocational call. 

“Our goal is to create a culture that nurtures seminarians, skilled discerners and volunteers while equipping individuals and parishes with the tools they need to build a strong vocational culture,” Father McNeillie said. 

This vision of a supportive environment is found in the experiences of those guided by the Office of Vocations, like Ian de Koster, a first-year seminarian at St. Mary’s Seminary. 

“The Office of Vocations is Jesus’ hands and feet, walking with you, taking you by the hand, step by step, to hear God’s voice,” de Koster said. “They play an instrumental role in offering accompaniment and guidance through many events and activities. The greatest role they play is that helping hand — that village — that shoulder to lean on, to direct you toward Christ and the path He’s inviting you to walk with Him.”  

De Koster’s first experience with the Office of Vocations was a year ago when he attended a discernment course at his home parish, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands. Since then, de Koster has participated in several ministry programs, including Andrew’s Dinner, an evening of prayer and fellowship with Father McNeely and diocesan priests, and a five-day St. Ignatian silent discernment retreat. 

“The silent retreat was truly an opportunity to hear God in a way I hadn’t before and to mature in my discernment,” de Koster said. “It also deepened my overall relationship with God. I would recommend the retreat to anyone seeking a greater friendship with our Lord.” 

De Koster said the Office of Vocations has been welcoming and supportive, recalling a memorable moment when a staff member on St. Mary Seminary’s campus offered him spiritual direction that deeply touched and opened his heart. 

“Spiritual direction allowed me to see God’s presence in my life through my struggles, sufferings and the joys He placed in my life,” said de Koster. “I believe this is a testament to every time I’ve been blessed to interact with the vocations team. Whether sharing a meal or being at the chancery, they welcome us and are ready to embrace us with their care and open hearts.” 

De Koster said this nurturing environment supports individuals in taking practical steps in their discernment journey and deepening their connection with Christ through spiritual growth. 

“I think that the best advice for someone considering getting involved with the Office of Vocations is to ask the Lord what the next little ‘yes’ is,” de Koster said. “Whether it’s a phone call, an email, a retreat or a discernment event, it’s all about taking one step at a time, as leaps and bounds don’t happen overnight. The Office of Vocations provides tailored events to guide you through every stage of your discernment process.” 

The ministry’s step-by-step vocational discernment process is also reflected in the journey of Matthew Lester, another parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua. He first connected with the Office of Vocations during a student retreat at the Catholic Newman Center while attending the University of Houston (UH). Having recently converted to Catholicism during his freshman year, his encounter with Father McNeillie marked the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey. 

“The best takeaway from the student retreat was the forgiveness prayer, something I needed at that point in my life,” Lester said. “It helped set the stage for remaining open to any vocation that came my way.” 

During his senior year at UH, Lester participated in Verbum Tuum, a discernment program for young adults offered by the Office of Vocations. He learned the value of detachment, especially in discerning his vocation, which had a deep impact on his spiritual growth and relationship with God. 

“Verbum Tuum taught me that vocations are about how we’re called to love,” Lester said. “Instead of focusing on becoming a priest, or a married person, or a consecrated laity, it’s about being free in your decision-making to understand what God wants for you. The Office of Vocations’ presence at the University of Houston has been awesome, reaching people and showing them that discernment is about being open and approaching it freely.” 

Receiving monthly spiritual direction was also important for Lester as he discerned his vocational call, especially as he considered marriage with his future wife, whom he met at the Newman Center and married in 2022.  

“If you love God, discerning where He wants you to go with your life, understanding your charisms, and uncovering that path requires opening your heart and healing the wounds from your salvation history,” said Lester. 

Lester encourages those discerning a vocational call or interested in serving others in their discernment journey to reach out to the Office of Vocations. He believes these opportunities, such as his experience with Verbum Tuum, reveal God’s grace in powerful ways for all involved. 

Father McNeillie said to continue supporting individuals like de Koster and Lester in their discernment journey, the Office of Vocations relies on funding from the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF). Without it, the ministry would struggle to maintain its programming

Funding also supports three full-time staff positions, including an administrative assistant, a dedicated staff member for women’s vocations and a program manager. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to see the value and impact of chancery offices, and the Office of Vocations is no exception,” said Father McNeillie. “If you’re in a parish with a diocesan priest, you’re seeing the results of DSF contributions from over 10 years ago. I’m grateful for those generous people who sacrificed years ago so that we could have the priests we need now.” 

To learn more about the Office of Vocations, visit houstonvocations.com. To contribute to the 2024 Annual DSF Appeal, which supports over 60 other ministries requiring critical funding, visit archgh.org/dsf. Every dollar donated to DSF directly supports these vital ministries that provide direct service or education.