Vocations
What is a Vocation?
A vocation is how God calls us to love, follow and serve Him in our lives. Everyone is called to a life of holiness, but the different vocations are the ways we could be called to live. There are four main vocations in the Catholic Church: marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, and
single life.
What is Discernment?
Discernment is the process of prayerfully discovering what God's will is for our lives. It is an essential part of coming to know our vocation. Do you have questions about vocational discernment? Check out our resources or contact our vocations director Fr. Thomas Lugge.
Vocation Events
Priesthood Discernment Groups
The Diocese invites high school and young adult men to take part in priestly discernment groups for those open to exploring whether God may be calling them to the diocesan priesthood. These groups are designed for men who are curious, unsure, or simply want a space to listen for God’s voice—not just for those who feel “certain” about becoming a priest. Discernment groups offer a relaxed and supportive environment to grow in faith, ask honest questions, and learn how to recognize God’s call in your life. Gatherings typically include prayer, reflection, conversation with other young men, and guidance from priests. There is no pressure or commitment—just an opportunity to seek clarity, deepen your relationship with Christ, and take the next right step, whatever that may be. Men at any stage of discernment are welcome.
For more information or to join a group, please contact the leader at the location nearest you:
O'Fallon: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Murphysboro: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Germantown: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Olney: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2026 Dominican Service Immersion Experience - Dominican Sisters of Springfield
Single Catholic women ages 20-45 who are discerning a call to religious life are invited to Mr. Lincoln's Hometown in June for a national event hosted by the Springfield Dominican Sisters. Applications are open now, and up to 15 women will be selected to participate. The group will stay at Sacred Heart Convent and experience the rhythms of apostolic religious life, which includes community life, prayer, active, service, and theological reflection. Registration deadline is June 1, 2026.
Dates: June 16-20, 2026
Location: Sacred Heart Convent (1237 W. Monroe St. Springfield, IL 62704)
For more information contact Sister Denise Glazik, OP, at 217-787-0481 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sequela Christi - Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus
Sequela Christi (following Christ) is a volunteer day for sophomores in high school to college age women including the opportunity to join in the apostolate, prayer, and recreation of the Carmelite sisters. The day includes volunteering at St. Agnes Home, a talk by a Sister, supper, prayer, and recreation.
Date: July 23, 2026
Location: St. Agnes Home (10341 Manchester Rd. Kirkwood, MO 63122)
Though no official registration is necessary, please notify Sr. Mary Michael at least one day in advance of your anticipated attendance: (314)-965-7616 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Vocational Discernment Retreat - Daughters of St. Paul
Single Catholic women ages 18-30 are invited to join the Sisters for a weekend filled with prayer, community, and joy! Retreat includes daily Mass, community prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, talks by the Sisters, experiences of the Pauline Mission, silent retreat time, recreation, and more.
Dates: June 25-28, 2026
Location: Pauline Books & Media (9804 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126)
For more information and to register, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Monastic Vocation Discernment Weekend - St. Meinrad Benedictine Monks
If you are a single man between the ages of 20 to 40 and are interested in exploring a monastic vocation, consider attending this vocation discernment weekend to explore aspects of Benedictine monastic life. Contact director of Monastery Vocations, Fr. Simon Herrmann, OSB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 812-357-6611 for more information or to register for the weekend.
Dates: August 28-30, 2026
Location: St. Meinrad Archabbey (200 Hill Drive, St Meinrad, IN 47577)
Come & See Weekends - Trappist Cistercian Nuns
Trying to open your heart to God’s will for your life? Pondering the possibility of religious life? Open to learning about the contemplative monastic life? Intrigued by the Trappist Cistercian vocation? Or maybe it’s merely that a friend is encouraging you to give it try! Well, as Jesus Himself says, “Come and See!” Enter into the Sisters' prayer, experience their joy, and rest in the sacramentality of Our of Lady of the Mississippi Abbey. Be immersed for the weekend in the Cistercian way of following Christ. Come & See weekends include: Liturgy of the Hours & Eucharist, silence & solitude, conversation & accompaniment, questions & answers, and prayer & reflection. Open to single Catholic (or in the process of becoming Catholic) women ages 18-40.
Dates: June 19-21, 2026, October 16-18, 2026
Location: 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, Iowa 52003
Email Sr. Madeleine, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here for more information.
Online Evening Prayer - School Sisters of Notre Dame
Young adults are invited to pray online with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and other young adults from across the U.S. and Canada at 7 p.m. CT on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Participants will experience evening prayer in the rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours with additional time for faith sharing in small groups, online prayer typically lasts about an hour. Learn more and register at ssnd.org/events/.
Click here to subscribe to the SSND monthly discernment newsletter.