As we embark on Vocations Awareness Week, we reflect on the profound insights and inspiring stories shared during our recent event, “Building a Culture of Vocations: A Day of Reflection and Discernment”. This gathering brought together members of our community to explore the diverse and meaningful paths of vocation—whether in marriage, ordination, religious life or the many unique calls within a call.

Bishop Michael McKenna offered thought-provoking reflections on the nature of vocation. He reminded all that “We are all called to holiness”. This call to holiness, he emphasised, is not a new concept introduced by Vatican II but a timeless truth that has been part of our faith since its inception. He highlighted the significance of our baptism, saying, “At our baptism, we are reminded of our Priestly, Prophetic, and Kingly calling. Our baptism was always in the mind of God; even when God created water, He was thinking of the moment of our baptism.”

Bishop McKenna shared a parable from his own childhood, growing up in a terrace house where the phone was in the front room. “If it rang, the only way you could tell if it was your phone or the neighbours’ was if you walked towards it,” he recounted. This story served as a powerful metaphor for answering God’s call. We often must move toward the unknown, trusting that the call is meant for us, which will become clear as we approach it.

He urged us to contemplate the decisions we make daily, as these seemingly small choices can have significant impacts in God’s eyes. “What seems little for us may be big for God,” he noted, reminding us to approach every action with intention and reverence. He also stressed the importance of valuing all vocations equally: “We must be careful to make sure we don’t think that one vocation is better than another. The best vocation for me is the one that God want”.

Terry and Christine Mahony shared their personal journey of vocation within marriage, offering a powerful testament to the many ways God calls us to say “yes” throughout our lives. Christine recounted a poignant story of her father, a non-Catholic, who saw the needs of the Sisters at her school and selflessly returned a scholarship so that they could live better. This act of kindness exemplified the Mahony’s belief that “Vocation is saying yes in many moments”.

The Mahony’s reflected on their marriage, highlighting how their small, consistent “yeses” to each other and to God have deepened their relationship and faith. “In marriage, we bring the best of each other out,” Christine shared. They spoke about their involvement in their local church community, noting that “God and the priest had a stake in our marriage”. Terry’s journey as an acolyte and their participation in a Marriage Encounter, which transformed their relationship, underscored the importance of openness to God’s call in every aspect of life. “Love isn’t love till it’s given away”, they reminded us, emphasising the sacrificial and generous nature of true love.

Nic and Fran Hansen provided a compelling account of their path towards becoming part of the Shalom community. They spoke about how “the Holy Spirit was moving them and calling them on”, even when they were unsure how things would work out. The path, however, became clear. They shared their long-standing desire to be in a place like Shalom, where the prayerful and peaceful environment aligned with their values.

“People know if you are doing something for others and God, and they will support you”, Fran noted, reflecting on the community’s overwhelming support. The Hansens have decided to retire from Shalom in 2025, hoping that others might feel called to continue the work in this nurturing community in the future. This was seen as an important way that we can see vocation as a call within a call.

Fr Nam brought a unique perspective on vocational discernment, sharing his own journey of considering various paths before embracing the priesthood. He emphasised the importance of being open to God’s call and listening to the wisdom of those around us. “As a priest, I ask each day what God is asking of me”, he said, illustrating the ongoing nature of vocational discernment.

Fr Nam’s story highlighted the many options available within vocational discernment and the significance of choosing what feels right in one’s heart and what brings peace. His message reinforced the idea that each vocation, whether religious or lay, requires a continual “yes” to God’s invitation.

At the first ‘Building a Culture of Vocation Reflection Day’, at the commencement of Vocations Awareness Week, it was wonderful to hear the words and experiences shared by our speakers. Each of us is called to a unique path of holiness, one that requires daily discernment and a willingness to say “yes” to God’s call in our lives. It is hoped that the day was a support and encouragement to those who attended, in our individual vocations, recognizing that every path, when walked with faith and love, contributes to the greater tapestry of God’s plan.

For more information about Vocations, please contact:

Fr Nam Le
Vocations Director, Bathurst Diocese
E: nam.le@cdob.org.au
P: (02) 6882 4233