Father, Sister, Brother, Deacon, Is God Calling Me?

In this issue of Catholic Update, author Elizabeth Bookser Barkley examines the paths taken by Catholics who have committed to the vowed religious life as priest, brother, deacon, or sister. She writes, ""All Catholics are called by Baptism to lead Christ-lives and serve the world, but in the Catholic Church some men and women are called to live our that life as ordained priests or deacons, or as religious women or men consecrating their lives to service through community and the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience."" She stresses that those considering a vowed life would do well to spend time with those living the life. About the author: Elizabeth Bookser Barkley, a freelance writer, is a professor of English at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. She contributes to a variety of Catholic publications.