Exploration: Not One Answer, Not One Path

Spectacle of Saints welcomes another 'year of service alumni guest blogger' this week! Mike Bennett writes for us about discerning one's vocation and notes that this is the time of year when many young people, especially college seniors, begin to think about next steps. Mike is Associate Director of Campus Ministry for Christian Leadership, Vocation and Retreats at the University of Dayton. He is also a Lay Marianist steeped in the Marianist tradition, and served for two years post-graduation as a long-term volunteer at Nazareth Farm. Mike also shares his talents with PULSE as a member of the application and interview committee.

Given my work as a Campus Minister at the University of Dayton, I am frequently blessed to walk with students on their journey of vocational exploration. It seems there are never-ending, impending questions of “what am I called to do?” and “who am I called to be?”  These questions can feel daunting, and I think it’s far too easy to approach these as if there is one answer, one path for us to follow for the remainder of our lives.  

If we let ourselves, vocational exploration can feel as if we’re deciphering a blueprint for our lives that God has already figured out.  However, my personal experience (and maybe it’s just me…) is that these questions can be guiding questions for a good chunk of your life and your journey of faith.  Rather than approaching vocational discernment as a blueprint for us to figure out, I find it helpful to think of vocational exploration as an opportunity for us to invite God on our journey of discovering who we are as elements of God’s creation.

It feels as if attention to these questions begins to ramp up every October. Graduating seniors start to think about their next steps after graduation, universities begin to host opportunities for students to connect with potential employers, year of service programs, religious congregations, etc., and the list goes on. Therefore, Marianist PULSE is here to help!  

Our next few blog posts will be focused on the theme of discernment, including reflections from current and former PULSE volunteers, parents of a former volunteer, and some guidance on what healthy discernment can look like from a spiritual perspective.  If I, or any of our PULSE staff, can help with your discernment please feel free to be in touch. We are happy and blessed to share this journey with you and most assuredly keep all those discerning next steps in our prayers.

For more information about Marianist PULSE (Partners in Urban Leadership, Service and Education,) the application process, deadlines, or any other information about PULSE, email Maureen O'Rourke, program coordinator, at PULSE@marianist.us. 

Across time-zones, you can sign up for a Google Hangout or FaceTime chat with us at marianistpulse.youcanbook.me

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