Vocation Frequently Asked Questions
Discernment and the Process
What is discernment?
Discernment is about trying to understand God’s call in your life – how God invites you to serve God and others in a way that brings you closer to God. It is a process that often takes time, sometimes several years, as you seek to listen to God and discover your true vocation.
What is the first step of discernment?
You can start by asking yourself practical questions: What gives me joy? What am I good at? Where do I see a need in the world that moves my heart? Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal God’s will, and reflect on how God might already be working through your experiences and desires. Speak with a religious, priest, or a friend, and don’t be afraid to explore different paths – God’s call often becomes clearer as you take small, faithful steps forward.
Where can I ask for help in my discernment process?
It is important not to go through this process alone. A spiritual director, perhaps a priest, sister, parish minister, brother or deacon who knows you well, can help you better understand God’s will for you. Getting involved in vocational meetings can be helpful too. Our community organizes different discernment events – such as monthly discernment dinners at St. Mary’s Church and Come and See Days – and we are always available for one-on-one conversations about discernment.
Religious Life: The Basics
What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious?
Diocesan priests serve directly under a bishop in a specific diocese, focusing primarily on parish ministry. Religious, on the other hand, belong to a religious order or congregation and take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their work depends on the unique mission, or charism, of their community, which could include parish ministry, teaching, missionary work, or focusing on prayer and contemplation.
I heard that in the Congregation of the Resurrection you can be a brother or a priest. What is the difference?
In the Congregation of the Resurrection, all members commit to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Priests are ordained and have responsibilities like celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and providing spiritual guidance. Brothers, are not ordained, and serve the Church in more varied ways, like working in education, managing community life, providing spiritual guidance and supporting ministry projects.
How can I know that God calls me to be a Resurrectionist?
The discernment process will help you grow in understanding if God is calling you to join the Congregation of the Resurrection. By participating in our activities and collaborating with Resurrectionists, you can explore if this is your vocation. If it is your calling, you will feel deeply invited to take the first step.
Joining the Congregation
What criteria must I meet to join the Congregation?
To join, you should have a sincere desire to serve God and others, a commitment to live according to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and a willingness to live in community. Being open to spiritual and personal growth, deepening your faith, and a readiness to learn are equally important.
Am I too old to join the Congregation of the Resurrection?
Our community accepts candidates who are no older than 45 years, provided they have an undergraduate degree. The formation process requires energy and commitment, but age is not necessarily a barrier.
I feel that I have been called to join the Congregation. What is a very practical step that I should take?
Reach out to our Vocation Director and start by attending the events we offer. Once involved, speak with the Vocation Director about submitting an official request to join, marking the beginning of your formation process.
What does CR mean?
CR stands for Congregation of the Resurrection, and members are referred to as Resurrectionists (CRs). The abbreviation is often used for events or activities hosted by our community.
Understanding the Vows
What is the vow of poverty?
The vow of poverty means living simply and relying on God for all needs. It involves sharing with the community and using possessions to serve others, emphasizing the spiritual dimension over material wealth. By living simply, the Congregation is able to use its resources to support those in need through our many ministries.
What is the vow of chastity?
The vow of chastity is a commitment to live a celibate life, dedicating your love to Christ and serving others. It reflects the unity with Christ and points to the perfect love to come in the next life.
What is the vow of obedience?
The vow of obedience involves listening to God’s will and following the guidance of the community and superiors. It reflects our desire to imitate Jesus, who was obedient to God the Father, and it directs our ministry to the needs of the Church.
Formation and Living as a Resurrectionist
Does joining the Congregation require studying in another country?
Yes, the formation process includes time in Canada for the pre-novitiate and novitiate stages, with further formation taking place in the United States. Our international community reflects this global aspect in our formation.
Can I live Resurrectionist spirituality without being a religious?
Yes, you don’t need to be a religious to live out Resurrectionist spirituality. Many people are drawn to our charism and incorporate it into their own lives. We also have the Apostles of the Resurrection, laypeople who collaborate with us in spreading the message of hope.
Practical Aspects of Religious Life
When can I visit my family during my discernment process or once I am a religious?
Family visits are encouraged, though the frequency may vary depending on your circumstances. During formation, visits are more frequent in the pre-novitiate stage, but they may be limited during the novitiate to help you focus fully on your experience.
What happens if I decide religious life isn’t for me during formation?
The formation process is a time of ongoing discernment. It is not uncommon to realize that religious life is not your vocation, and that’s perfectly okay.
Can I still pursue hobbies or personal interests in religious life?
Yes, you can still pursue hobbies, as long as they align with your vocation. Hobbies can help maintain balance in your life and are allowed, though the primary focus will be on serving the Church and living your vows. Many of our members enjoy a variety of hobbies that complement their religious life. For example, if you enjoy cooking, some of our members are talented chefs who share their passion during our monthly CR Discernment Dinners at St. Mary’s – feel free to join us!
Can I keep my own money while being religious?
In a religious community, everything is shared, and the focus is on living in simplicity and solidarity. This doesn’t mean that every item is used by all members, but what we possess is directed toward fulfilling the mission of the community effectively. The vow of poverty requires labour, moderation, and, through the vow, complete dependence on the superiors for the use and disposition of goods. If you join the community and have personal patrimony or wealth, you are not required to give it away. However, you are expected to renounce at least the administration of your patrimony, entrusting its management to another person or entity. This ensures that your focus remains on following Christ and living out the mission of the religious community.
Do Resurrectionists have a special diet, like not eating meat or avoiding alcohol?
No, Resurrectionists do not follow a special diet. There are no dietary restrictions in the Congregation of the Resurrection, but individual members may choose to follow personal preferences or practices.
Can I become a Resurrectionist if I’m not good at school or don’t like studying?
Yes, you can become a Resurrectionist even if studying has been a challenge for you. What’s most important is openness and a genuine desire to learn the truth. While not all Resurrectionists need to earn advanced degrees like a PhD, there are certain educational requirements depending on your path. If you are called to be a religious priest, you will need to complete the required degrees, such as a Master of Divinity, to prepare for your ministry. If your vocation is to be a religious brother, the focus will be on training and developing the practical skills necessary for your future ministry, which may or may not include a degree. Many Resurrectionists, including brothers and priests, struggled with studying before entering the community. However, they later discovered a deep love for learning about the faith and the Church, which they now see as an essential part of their vocation. The key is a willingness to grow and embrace learning as part of your journey in following Christ.
