franciscanheart Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 Please help me improve Vocation Station! Give me feedback on what you like and dislike, what works and what doesn't. What would you like to see? Are there resources that would be useful here? What are they? Do you have any big ideas? Let me know. I for one would like to see Vocation Station flourish and blossom as we continue to receive new members. I would also like this space to be of great value to all who seek God's will in their vocation, whether that will be married life, single life, or religious life. That in mind, I would like to hear from EVERYONE - even if you are not discerning a religious vocation! It is you that will make Vocation Station what it needs to be. Those of you who use this space know what works and what doesn't and what could be helpful to future members. Those of you who do not often visit because it seems geared toward religious vocations, you can help us implement ideas that would help draw from all areas of vocational discernment. It is up to you to help make this happen, so get busy! Put your thinkin' caps on, y'all! [b]I'm all ears![/b]
Lil Red Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 i would love for VS to be more about all vocations, not just religious. while religious life is (obviously) important, it would be nice to talk more about single and married life as well.
jmj Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 I'd like to see more about secular orders, as well.
franciscanheart Posted November 9, 2006 Author Posted November 9, 2006 [quote name='jmj' post='1116214' date='Nov 9 2006, 04:37 PM'] I'd like to see more about secular orders, as well. [/quote] Great idea! : Perhaps The Little Way would like to help us with that!
Veritas Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 (edited) + I would be disappointed to see this turn into a place for "all vocations". In theory, that sounds great, but I think it would just be too broad and too muddled. It's important for us to have a place to go just to talk about religious life... where else in this world can we do that? I'm down with talking about the married and consecrated single life, but I think it should be a separate phorum Note, the phorum title specifically spells out, discerning a RELIGIOUS vocation. I think that's important. Vocation Station is unique and important and shouldn't morph into something else. That's my opinion. Edited November 9, 2006 by Veritas
franciscanheart Posted November 9, 2006 Author Posted November 9, 2006 I think that's sad. I think a lot of people feel left out. Where are they supposed to go? I hardly think adding a whole other phorum is the way to go. Perhaps we should have a main vocations phorum with the religious vocations section being a child phorum.
jmj Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 [quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1116263' date='Nov 9 2006, 04:07 PM'] I think that's sad. I think a lot of people feel left out. Where are they supposed to go? I hardly think adding a whole other phorum is the way to go. Perhaps we should have a main vocations phorum with the religious vocations section being a child phorum. [/quote] I've loved watching people discern to various communities and such because it's helped with my discernment to the Benedictine Oblates. And it's encouraging, to know that there are people who are still interested in becoming priests and nuns and such. I've posted a couple times in the "Benedictines Strike Back" thread about becoming an Oblate, because I don't know where else it would go. It's a vocation, but not in the same sense as most of the other people on this board. So sometimes I feel awkward/left out talking about it because it's not the same vocation that this board focuses on (and so I think who would want to hear about that!). There's not too many secular order peoples here, so it's like YAY Vocation but not to the convent so alot of experiences and pictures I just stopped posting/talking about because I feel it just doesn't belong here. (sorry if that seemed a little "woe is me" ) But would too many child phorums be too hectic? Confusing?
be_thou_my_vision Posted November 9, 2006 Posted November 9, 2006 I vote for making it for all vocations. Discerning a call to marriage and the single life is very difficult, confusing, and lonely at times, just like discerning a call to the relgious life.
franciscanheart Posted November 9, 2006 Author Posted November 9, 2006 [quote name='jmj' post='1116323' date='Nov 9 2006, 06:13 PM'] I've loved watching people discern to various communities and such because it's helped with my discernment to the Benedictine Oblates. And it's encouraging, to know that there are people who are still interested in becoming priests and nuns and such. I've posted a couple times in the "Benedictines Strike Back" thread about becoming an Oblate, because I don't know where else it would go. It's a vocation, but not in the same sense as most of the other people on this board. So sometimes I feel awkward/left out talking about it because it's not the same vocation that this board focuses on (and so I think who would want to hear about that!). There's not too many secular order peoples here, so it's like YAY Vocation but not to the convent so alot of experiences and pictures I just stopped posting/talking about because I feel it just doesn't belong here. (sorry if that seemed a little "woe is me" ) But would too many child phorums be too hectic? Confusing? [/quote] There would only be on child phorum. It would be specifically for those discerning a call to the religious life (in convents and monasteries). The whole I idea still seems a bit wrong to me but if that were the vote and we had dUSt supporting that, then I think that would be what it was. (Like in Transmundane Lane where you have The Word.Werd. and The Fuzzy Bunny Crusade) [quote name='be_thou_my_vision' post='1116329' date='Nov 9 2006, 06:19 PM'] I vote for making it for all vocations. Discerning a call to marriage and the single life is very difficult, confusing, and lonely at times, just like discerning a call to the relgious life. [/quote]
Veritas Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 (edited) + P.S. If all the discernment threads are no longer going to be pinned, it would be nice to have a "Vocation Resources" pinned thread too. If you want links, I can help. (p.s. I don't do well with change ) Edited November 10, 2006 by Veritas
Veritas Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 + Reflecting... Is vocation station just not good enough as it is? Haven't the fruits of insane numbers of vocations proven what a great place it is? Again, I have nothing against marriage -it is a BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING gift from God, for those who are called. However, married people have tons, and tons of places to go to talk with other married people. Where do discerners to religious communities go for fraternity? Why do we have to "expand" to be "inclusive" if it means loosing our focus and tight family of discerners? More isn't always better. Honesly, I'm really annoyed at making this "inclusive land". That's no reason to do anything, tell me WHY. I feel like England and the EU! Blessings, Fiat, V
bmb144 Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 Ok, here is my 2 cents worth. I feel the best way around things would be to have a number of pinned threads at the top of the vocation station dealing with specific paths, in that way no one is left out. EG- One for the guys discerning priesthood One for the guys discerning to a religious order [i]Why separate them, well they are two different things, not all guys that join an order are ordained, so I think there needs to be separation there. Also there may need to be further separation of those discerning to active and contemplative orders [/i] One for the singles [i]As it is a calling in itself with its own challenges that need to be talked about.[/i] One for those who are thinking marriage [i]More or less for the same reason as the singles[/i] Now here is where it gets sticky.... I felt the thread on discernment for girls had its limits for me personally.....you see 18 was a long time ago and I am in the older group when it comes to discernment, so what I would ask can there be a younger and older say.....30 and over thread? We may also want to contemplate a separation of active and contemplative life for the women to......as we all know it is two different forms of life..... Ok that is my 2 cents, Belinda
HeavenlyCalling Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 I understand that marriage is a gift from God, and a wonderful gift at that, but there are other places you can go for that. Discerning a vocation, however, is definatly the path less traveled, and it can be very scary. I have a hard time talking even to my family and friends about my vocation, because even though they support me with their prayers, they really dont understand the religious life. For me, having a place to go and people to talk to has been a big help. It has been wonderful to talk about the differneces in orders, habits, charisms, and not have people think I am crazy for wanting that. What I am trying to say, I gues, is that the vocation station has seemed to me like a tight-knit group of people with the same gaol in mind. Even though I have never met and may never meet any of you, you have shared your problems with me and let me tell you mine. I think it sould stay about vocations; mens, womens, priesthood, brotherhood, sisterhood, or cloistered life. I dont really think that it is excluding people, because there are those like Gemma (not to pick on you!) who are [u][b]not[/b][/u] discerning, but still have a great deal of insight to offer to us. Bottom line, the vocation station should stay about vocations to the religious life. Just my two cents.
be_thou_my_vision Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 It's not like the religious vocation part would go away... it would all still be here. Just something to think about.
Mary-Kathryn Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 (edited) I feel it might be beneficial to invite different Vocational directors to answer a [limited] number of questions here. It could be with men or women's orders. Someone could get in contact, get approval, gather questions and then place the answers here if the director had no desire to come on-line. Some info about the Order would be very inviting and might click with a young woman here. Is this do-able? I don't know...I'm just an old married woman, you young-uns go for it : Edited November 10, 2006 by Mary-Kathryn
onlygrace08 Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 I agree with many here... I really like that we can come here and talk with other discerners. Marriaige is a beautiful vocation and I think it would be great if there were a place were those who feel called to marraige or the single life could talk. I think I like the idea of making it where vocation station is for all vocations but, were it could have a seperate place for religious vocations... or keep it the way it is.... [quote name='Mary-Kathryn' post='1116442' date='Nov 9 2006, 09:31 PM'] I feel it might be beneficial to invite different Vocational directors to answer a [limited] number of questions here. It could be with men or women's orders. Someone could get in contact, get approval, gather questions and then place the answers here. answers. Some info about the Order would be very inviting and might click with a young woman here. Is this do-able? I don't know...I'm just an old married woman, you young-uns go for it : [/quote] yes yes!!!
franciscanheart Posted November 10, 2006 Author Posted November 10, 2006 Y'all, If everyone will settle down for a minute or two I will explain some things. I know it was a fast transition and I apologize for not taking it slower. Hear me out. First: As far as the suggestions to pin more topics with resources for vocational discernment, I'm working on it. I am busy (believe it or not) with other things too so I can only whip out so many things in one day. The list of discerners, entering and entered was a big project in itself. When I leave here, I will continue to work on a list of convents and monasteries. It will include all of the ones mentioned in the other thread and then some. I hope to include things like vocation directors, addresses, contact numbers, websites, and orthodoxy ratings (which is something else I will discuss). It's on it's way! And Veritas, if you would like to help me with this, I would be more than happy to have you! Second: I understand that many of you have fond memories here and enjoy the discussion with fellow discerners. I do too. However, we are a phamily here at phatmass and we seek to promote the holiness of all of our members. In doing that, it is important that we foster ALL vocations. Sure, we could send them elsewhere. But why turn them away? We have amazing resources at our disposal here and, with the love of Christ in our hearts, our spirits set ablaze by the fire of the Holy Spirit - which cares not only for our own soul, but all souls - we should seek to serve all who come our way. Including vocations to the married, single, and consecrated life is not going to ruin what Vocation Station is. I think most of you are nervous that you're going to lose your fellowship. You aren't! The same people that make Vocation Station what it is now will continue to make it that in the future. After all, the chances of the married folk dropping into your threads are not going to increase very much, even if they are sharing a space with you. They will have their threads. And you know, as I say this, I am still saddened at the complete lack of charity here. Why can we not share our space and invite our brothers and sisters in to share our journey? This is not the love we seek to share with the world. We must be kind and generous and loving and supportive. You don't lose your fellowship by being kind. If anything, the fellowship will grow stronger. Third: Please, if you can, try to trust. I am not doing this on a whim. I have felt moved for some time to bring about a renewal in this board. It may even be bigger than a renewal. The point, though, is that I feel moved by the Spirit to do this. And I do it prayerfully and with open ears. I am not here to take away something you love. Remember, I love it too. I share it too. So please, take a few minutes to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide the direction of this board and of this whole site. Ask the Lord to make it what He wants it to be, not what we want it to be. Give it over to Christ and let's move forward, leaving anger, frustration, and all axiety behind us. Christ tells us in the scriptures, "Ask and it will given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7: 7-8) He tells us through St. Paul, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God." Remembering this, take your petition to the Lord. Lay it before your Father and let Him do with it what He will. Praised be His Holy Name for ever and ever! Amen. May the Lord give you his peace. Respectfully, hugheyforlife [quote name='be_thou_my_vision' post='1116433' date='Nov 9 2006, 09:19 PM'] It's not like the religious vocation part would go away... it would all still be here. Just something to think about. [/quote] Precisely. Wise one, you are. [quote name='Mary-Kathryn' post='1116442' date='Nov 9 2006, 09:31 PM'] I feel it might be beneficial to invite different Vocational directors to answer a [limited] number of questions here. It could be with men or women's orders. Someone could get in contact, get approval, gather questions and then place the answers here if the director had no desire to come on-line. Some info about the Order would be very inviting and might click with a young woman here. Is this do-able? I don't know...I'm just an old married woman, you young-uns go for it : [/quote] That is a great idea! I will work on that. Thank you for your suggestion!
Piccoli Fiori JMJ Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 I'm putting together a list of Religious Communities (mostly cloistered/contemplative) for both men and women... it'll have e-mails for vocation contacts and mailing addresses, phone #s, websites, fax numbers, and whatever contact information is avaliable It isn't very far along, but it i coming along nicely :
franciscanheart Posted November 10, 2006 Author Posted November 10, 2006 [quote name='FutureNunJMJ' post='1116639' date='Nov 10 2006, 12:41 AM'] I'm putting together a list of Religious Communities (mostly cloistered/contemplative) for both men and women... it'll have e-mails for vocation contacts and mailing addresses, phone #s, websites, fax numbers, and whatever contact information is avaliable It isn't very far along, but it i coming along nicely : [/quote] That will be a wonderful resource here. : That is, if you don't mind sharing.
Piccoli Fiori JMJ Posted November 10, 2006 Posted November 10, 2006 ps. Laura, you are doing a good job... I think that this will be a change for the better! [quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1116640' date='Nov 9 2006, 11:42 PM'] That will be a wonderful resource here. : That is, if you don't mind sharing. [/quote] I don't mind sharing at all in the least bit! :
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