The Diocese of Charleston celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week Nov. 7-13 with prayer, guidance and outreach as it reflected on the significance of vocations for those contemplating a calling to service in faith.

“According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a vocation is: 'the calling or destiny we have in this life and hereafter'," the diocese stated in a Facebook post Nov. 7. " 'God has created the human person to love and serve him; the fulfillment of this vocation is eternal happiness.' It is the individual path to holiness that each one of us is called to in this life."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states on its website that National Vocation Awareness Weeks is a time "to pray for those who are considering a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, or other consecrated life." The group estimates there are 5,000 seminarians enrolled in seminaries nationwide; the Charleston diocese states it currently has 16.

Throughout the week, the diocese offered guidance to those considering vocations within the church, including book suggestions specific to men and to women. It also shared ideas on how the faithful can show support for those pursuing these paths. It defined the four vocations as clergy, religious, single and married. 

"Each of these groups are vital to the health of the Mystical Body of Christ, and each serve their own unique purposes to advance the Church’s mission," the diocese stated.