Are You Being Called?

En Español

Through our baptism, we are called to a life of holiness. God calls each of us to live this holiness through a vocation to marriage, priesthood or religious life. Some married men receive an additional calling to the permanent diaconate. Are you discerning your vocation? Do you know where God is calling you? This page offers resources to help with your discernment of a religious vocation. Have you ever considered such a calling for your life? Come and see what priesthood, religious life and permanent diaconate offers. What you learn might surprise you.

Priesthood

The Office of Vocations and Seminarians aids in the discernment process of those who are interested in a vocation to diocesan priesthood as well as those who have already entered a formation program. If you would like to talk with someone about becoming a priest, contact Father Jeff Hebert at (501) 664-0340. For more information, see the following resources:

Priesthood Q&A
Seminarian Vocation Stories
Steps to Priesthood

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Religious Life

Men and women serve as religious priests, brothers and sisters in a wide variety of religious orders in Arkansas. If you are discerning the religious life and want information about the orders serving in the Diocese of Little Rock, visit the Religious Order Directory. For more information, contact Sister Mary Clare Bezner, OSB, diocesan minister for religious, at (501) 664-0340. For more information, see the following resources:

Religious Glossary
Religious Order Directory
How to Become a Religious Brother or Sister
Minister for Religious
Where do Religious Serve in Arkansas?

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Permanent Diaconate

Permanent deacons assist the bishop and his priests in the celebration of Mass, the distribution of the Eucharist and by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching homilies, presiding over marriages and funerals, and through serving in various ministries and charities, both in the Church and the community. The Diocese of Little Rock offers a five-year, bilingual, permanent diaconate formation program. A new class is being formed. For more information, contact Deacon Mark Verkamp at (501) 664-0340.

For more information, see the following resources:

History of the Diaconate
Office of Faith Formation
Permanent Diaconate Formation
Permanent Diaconate Formation Weekends in English
Permanent Diaconate Formation Weekends in Spanish

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Diocese of Little Rock Prayer for Vocations

By Bishop Anthony B. Taylor

Heavenly Father, remind us that when we pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” we commit ourselves to do your will, whatever that may be. Free us from the temptation to do our own will rather than your will! Give those you call to the priesthood and religious life the courage to embrace your will with generosity and self-sacrificing love. Remove their fears and fill our hearts with gratitude that despite our unworthiness, you would entrust to them a role so great and necessary in your plan of salvation. Amen.

— June 2011

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