Life as a Vocation

The word "vocation is a very good definition of the relationship that God has with every human being in the freedom of love, because "every life is a vocation"
(Paul VI, Enc. Lett. Populorum progressio, 15).

Vocation is the word that leads us to understand the dynamisms of God's revelation, and thus reveals to man the truth about his existence.

"Every life is a vocation!" Who can argue with that? But how do I know how God wants me to serve? This is at the heart of vocation ministry. My ministry here at St. Paul’s Newman Center and throughout the Diocese of Cheyenne is to help people to "discern," to decide in faith the primary direction of a person’s life (priesthood, religious life, single, married). The most exciting truth in discernment is that God will not disappoint, let down, or lead astray. So what do you say?

Come along and discover your life’s direction as God calls you to service. Email me (Fr. Ray Rodriguez) at rrodriguez@dioceseofcheyenne.org and keep reading for this semester’s discernment events and opportunities here at the University of Wyoming and within the State of Wyoming. Connect to the links provided for more information regarding God’s call to priesthood and/or religious life.

Women's Discernment Day:
December 2-3, 2006
A retreat for women, juniors in high school and older, will be held December 2-3, 2006. This retreat will explore our life of faith, enhance our discipleship and discover the incredible gift of religious life. For more information email Fr. Ray Rodriguez at rrodriguez@dioceseofcheyenne.org.

Encounter with God’s Call
March 25-27, 2006 Conception Seminary College will be the place for a unique opportunity to experience seminary life. The weekend will be hosted by seminarians, sharing with the participants how they made the decision to enter the seminary; what were the obstacles and road blocks; what life is like as a seminarian; and what are the risks and challenges. A highlight of the trip will be the celebration of the Eucharist in the Basilica of Conception Abbey. Each year two trips are scheduled, one each semester, to Conception Seminary College. If you are interested in attending future encounter weekends, email me at rrodriguez@dioceseofcheyenne.org for more information or register on line at www.conception.edu.

Ordinations

Bishop David Ricken ordains Bill Hill as the diocese’s newest priest at an ordination Mass, June 23 in Rocks Springs.

Bishop David Ricken ordains Phil Vaske as the diocese’s priest at an ordination Mass, June 2 in Casper.

Glen Szczechowski was ordained to priesthood on May 26th, at 7 p.m. in Cheyenne, Wyoming. (St. Mary’s Cathedral) For more photos click here.

Jim Heiser was ordained to priesthood on June 24th in Riverton, Wyoming. For more photos click here.

Mr. John Deti was ordained to permanent deaconate on June 23rd, in Laramie, Wyoming. (St. Laurence O’Toole)

Mr. Alan Lancaster was ordained to permanent deaconate on May 26th, at 7 p.m. in Cheyenne, Wyoming. (St. Mary’s Cathedral)

One-to-one discussions

I am always available to meet with people for one-to-one discussions about God’s call in their life. Feel free to call me at 1-800-788-4606 or email me at rrodriguez@dioceseofcheyenne.org for an appointment.
Remember, God never disappoints, lets down, or leads astray!

“Signs of a Possible Priestly Vocation”

+ DO YOU:

+ consider a personal relationship with God as an important and vital part of life?

+ experience encouragement from others to consider priesthood?

+ think about or imagine yourself being a priest?

+ talk about your faith and experience of God in your life?

+ let fear control your decision about a vocation to priesthood?

+ desire to serve others and make a spiritual difference in people’s lives?

+ willingly sacrifice for the service of God’s people?

+ enjoy life?

+ have healthy and life-giving relationships with men and women?

+ have good physical, mental, and emotional health?

+ have a sense of humor?

If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions then God may be calling you to Diocesan priesthood.

Feel free to request more information.

Vocation Posters