When people hear the word “vocation”, many think of jobs, careers or professions. After all, in today’s world, we often define ourselves by what we do: teacher, nurse, lawyer, builder, student, retiree. Yet, a vocation is far richer than a career choice or résumé line. The word itself comes from the Latin vocare, meaning “to call.” And the question at the heart of a vocation is not simply, “What do I want to do with my life?” but rather, “What is God calling me to become?”
That distinction changes everything.
For Christians, a vocation is not limited to a few special people—like priests or religious sisters. Every baptized person has a vocation, a God-given calling to holiness. And within that universal call, God invites us to live out holiness in a particular way, through marriage, consecrated life, priesthood or the single life. Together, these vocations form a great symphony in the Church. Each has its own sound, its own rhythm, its own beauty. But when played together under the direction of Christ, they create a harmony the world longs to hear.
A UNIVERSAL CALL
The starting point is clear: Every Christian is called to holiness. This isn’t a lofty ideal for saints carved in stained glass or names printed in history books. It is a calling written into the life of every believer.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says it plainly: “All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity. All are called to holiness: ‘Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’” (CCC 2013).
Holiness, then, is not an option. It is the shared mission of all the baptized. To be holy is to be set apart for God, to reflect His love in the world, to become more like Christ. This is the deepest meaning of “vocation:” God calling us into communion with Him and into a life that radiates His goodness.
How that call is lived out, however, takes different shapes. Each person’s life becomes a unique variation on the same melody of holiness.
FOUR PATHS TO HOLINESS
The Church names four primary ways that people live out their personal vocation: Marriage, Consecrated Life, Priesthood and the Single Life.
Marriage: A Covenant of Love
Marriage is perhaps the most familiar vocation. A husband and wife are called to reflect the faithful, fruitful love of Christ and His Church. Their permanent commitment, often blessed with children, becomes a daily path to holiness.
Marriage is not only about personal happiness but about sanctification—growing in patience, forgiveness, generosity and love. It is a call to live for the other, to put the needs of one’s spouse and family above one’s own. In a world where promises are often broken, Christian marriage offers a living witness of fidelity and hope.
Consecrated Life: A Radical Witness
Consecrated men and women live in a different, but equally powerful, way. Through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, they give their lives entirely to God. Their daily rhythm of prayer and service is a sign of the kingdom of heaven, where God will be “all in all.”
Think of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, whose legacy in education and parish life has shaped generations. Or religious brothers like those in the Society of Saint Paul, who use media to spread the Gospel. Their lives remind us of our ultimate destiny—not comfort or possessions, but eternal union with God.
Priesthood: Shepherding the People of God
The priesthood is a vocation of service. Priests are called to proclaim the Word, celebrate the Sacraments, reconcile sinners and shepherd the faithful. For more than 80 years, our diocese has been blessed by priests who have given their lives to this mission.
The priesthood is not a career but a total gift of self. A priest stands at the altar, not for himself, but on behalf of God’s people. He brings Christ’s presence into moments of both joy and sorrow, guiding his parishioners toward holiness.
The Single Life: A Quiet, Yet Powerful Witness
The single life is often overlooked, but it too is a vocation. Many men and women live as single persons and their lives can be a profound witness to freedom and generosity.
The Catechism reminds us: “We must also remember the great number of single persons who, because of the particular circumstances in which they have to live—often not of their choosing—are especially close to Jesus’ heart and therefore deserve the special affection and active solicitude of the Church” (CCC 1658).
Singles often have unique opportunities for service, prayer and witness that bless the entire Body of Christ.
THE GIFT OF SHARED HOLINESS
Over the past year—my first as a priest—I have seen this truth come alive. Holiness is never lived alone. Rather, it flourishes when vocations support one another.
I’ve had parents with young children invite me into their homes, reminding me of the sacredness of family life. I’ve watched college students at the Newman Center live their faith with passion, encouraging me to keep my own heart on fire. I’ve met elderly couples who, after 60 years of marriage, still radiate love and fidelity. Each encounter has deepened my own priesthood.
At the same time, I’ve been moved by the generosity of people who support our seminarians—young men discerning the priesthood. Every year, lay people, clergy and religious come together for events like the Bishop’s Golf Classic, raising funds and prayers for vocations. Pastors open their doors for discernment gatherings, offering young men space to pray and listen for God’s call. These are moments when the Church reveals her true face: a family walking together toward holiness.
MORE THAN WHAT WE DO
Our vocation is not primarily about what we do, but who we are becoming. It is the daily invitation to love more deeply, forgive more freely, serve more generously and walk more closely with Christ.
And here lies the good news: no matter your state in life—married, single, consecrated or priest—you are already within God’s invitation. Every joy, every struggle, every act of kindness, every sacrifice—these are the very places where holiness takes root.
Holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people. It is meant for you. It is meant for me. It is meant for all of us.
So let us tune our hearts to Christ. Let us support one another in our vocations. Let us live the universal call to holiness with courage and joy.
And one day, by God’s grace, this earthly symphony will give way to the eternal music of heaven—where every vocation finds its fulfillment in the presence of the One who first called us.
Father Wainio is co-director of the office of church vocations, and associate pastor at Saint Patrick Parish and University Parish Newman Center in Kent and at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna.
WALKING TOGETHER AS A DIOCESE
Over the next year, the Office of Church Vocations will be hosting several different events across the Diocese of Youngstown to help pray for and promote vocations. Everyone is welcome to join us. These gatherings will be opportunities, not only to encourage young men and women discerning their call, but also to strengthen the entire Church in her mission to holiness.
Stay tuned to our social media @DOYVocations and visit our website www.doy.org/vocations for more information. Your prayers, presence and encouragement are vital instruments in this symphony of vocations.
