work with young men and women (and some who aren't so young) who want to explore the possibility of being a priest, brother or sister. My experiences with them convince me that they are good news for the Church and our world. Believe me, not every generation that comes along inspires such confidence!

I see in them a real openness in making choices today and plan for the future. For some, that includes seriously looking at and even choosing to be a sister, brother, priest or missionary.

Someone stated: "There's a revolution under way among today's youth — a ‘good news revolution’. This generation is going to rebel by behaving not worse, but better. Their life mission will not be to tear down old institutions that don't work, but to build up new ones that do" (Millennials Rising: the Next Great Generation-by N. Howe & W. Strauss).

THREE DEEP DESIRES

When I listen to young people talk about their deepest desires, they usually mention three key things: 

1) They want to grow spiritually; 

2) They long to make a difference in the world, and 

3) They desire a sense of belonging.

These deepest desires move a person to action, to make choices. In a sense, that is what vocation is really about, following that God-given pull or leaning that seems to come from deep within. It isn't always clear what might be asked of you but, if you keep listening, seeking, trusting that God is at work in it all, the direction will become clearer.

God doesn't play games with us… He usually works through our ordinary life. I encourage you, then, to trust: God's desire for you is being revealed in the people and events of your life.

On a billboard, I once read, "If you are looking for a sign from God, this is it!" Don't miss the simple ways God works because you expect something more profound.

Your future is beginning now. So I invite you to consider the possibility of becoming a brother, sister, priest or missionary. It is different from a job, a ministry or a career. It’s a way of life, a way of being in relationship with yourself, others and God.

IT TAKES COURAGE & TRUST

Good candidates for religious, missionary life are people who are good at life, people with options… not because of exceptional qualities nor just because “nothing else worked out”...

It is for someone who loves God and has a passionate desire to serve others, even when it is costly. It is for someone who relates well to others, who doesn't always need to be the star of the show… It means being a leader, but also a follower… It is for people who are basically happy, well-balanced people and who want to share life with others. And you also need a sense of humor...

I am convinced there are young people for whom this calling is a good fit but who, for a variety of reasons, put off doing anything about it… Reasons like: lack of information, fear, loneliness, opinion of others. For this, I suggest: 

1) get to know a religious or missionary; 

2) ask for information; 

3) serve in a “hands-on” program; 

4) visit a community: see how they live & pray; 

5) know your options. 

Then… decide with courage & trust: experience is what tells us if this is “a good fit” for us. There is no time like the present and this present is unique. Like never before, we need people of hope and generosity. Many youth are already involved in some type of service to others because of that! Others express a desire to be a part of something greater than themselves… At the heart of your response must be the desire to be a follower of Jesus Christ in a radical way. Without that nothing else makes sense.

Pope John Paul II said it best addressing the young people in Kazakhstan on September 23, 2001: "Realize that each one of you is of unique worth, and be ready to accept one another with your respective convictions as you search together for the fullness of truth... Build your lives on sure and solid foundations; do not be afraid of commitment and sacrifice, which today require a great investment of energies, but which are the guarantee of success tomorrow. Discover the truth about yourselves, and new horizons will not cease to open up before you."

God's design is that we might be happy… It wouldn't work out well for all of you to be brothers, priests or sisters. But God may be asking YOU to consider all your options for the future—and this is a live one. And don't be so sure that it is only your friends that God would invite to be religious or missionaries.

Now is your moment: What will you make of it?

— Sr. CATHERINE BERTRAND —