Vocations Newsletter

Whether in a local community, an educational institution, or a global organization, the key to addressing the current crisis in American public life is genuine moral leadership. Moral leadership is anchored in intellectual and ethical integrity, a vision of and commitment to the public good, and personal investment in transformative community.
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Though Pope Francis remains one of the most popular figures in the world, his pontificate has stirred up powerful opposition. Some reject his openness to divorced and remarried Catholics and the priority he places on mercy above rigid doctrine. Others reject his outspoken defense of migrants, his critiques of capitalism, and calls to protect the environment.
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I can’t argue with today’s wisdom from the Book of Psalms. But there is another prayer that never fails to comfort me when times take an unexpected turn—and this year has been no exception. I listen to the words of our patroness of missions, St. Teresa of Ávila, and I find God’s peace. Here’s what she says:Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things; 
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.I celebrate St. Teresa’s feast day on October 15 in thanksgiving for her gifts to the Church—and her example of the missionary spirit. She never left her cloister, but Teresa founded convents throughout Spain, welcoming many women into religious life. She never preached from a pulpit but Teresa was a mystic and great writer whose theological works inspire the faithful to this day. If you have never read two of her greatest masterworks, The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, begin your journey of the soul here. You will be deeply rewarded. In recognition of her contribution to the Church’s teachings, St. Pope John Paul II named Teresa a Doctor of the Church, a rare distinction especially for a 16th century…
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Walking humbly in the footsteps of St. Paul, today I want to reassure you. Not that you won’t have to face difficulties in life—haven’t we all this year? But that no matter what happens God is always with us, offering signs of love and compassion to those with eyes of faith. Saint Paul was one of those visionaries who saw God’s presence and became deeply inspired by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News. His faith was unshakable even in adversity. Remember, the early days of the Church were full of conflict and struggle. Francis of Assisi was another visionary—the saint whose feast day we celebrate today. He abandoned a privileged life—among the 1% of his day—to follow the Gospel. When he heard God calling him to “fix my Church,” Francis first thought that meant fixing the small chapel in his beloved Assisi. But God had bigger plans. Once again, the Church was in disarray and Francis was called to be a reformer. He began a movement known as the Franciscans who witnessed God’s love for the poor by living lives of poverty, prayer, and peace. Humble Francis would transform the world, performing work that has lasted nearly a…
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