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About 100 sixth graders from four area Catholic schools gathered at Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa, on Wednesday, February 28, to learn about religious vocations.
Faith was put into action as students heard from religious sisters, priests, brothers, deacons and lay missionaries who shared their personal journeys of answering God’s call and embracing religious life.
Dubuque Presentation Sister Jessi Beck was among the presenters who talked to students about prayer, service, vows and community. “Many of them don’t have experience with priests, brothers and sisters, so this gives them the opportunity to start to think beyond their current realm of experience,” she said. “For many of them, it’s an introduction to religious life and even just affirming that marriage and single life are vocations, too. They have choices.”
The annual event is organized by the Dubuque Area Vocation Association (DAVA). This year, sixth grade classes attended from Seton Catholic School in Farley, St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, LaSalle Catholic School in Holy Cross and Aquin Catholic School in Cascade, all in Iowa.
“I think it was a really cool experience to be here,” said 11-year-old Seton student Mary Gotto. She particularly enjoyed the team building activities and learning about people from other countries who serve in religious life here in the United States. “I feel like my love for Jesus has grown stronger after this experience. It’s been really fun,” she said.
For 12-year-old Xavier student Elijah Westhoff, the opportunity to step out of his regular classroom routine was a highlight. He appreciated hearing about the diverse ways people serve the Church and learning about their paths to religious life.
“We got to know how people got their calling from God and how they knew they wanted to follow it. And they encouraged us to go and think about it,” he said.
Participating in events like the Vocation Day field trip can help young Catholics establish a foundation for their faith and gain insight into the possibilities available to them as they navigate their futures.
“This is a decision that is going to be coming for them, so we’re just trying to plant those seeds now,” states Sister Jessi. “We’re inviting the kids to begin praying, and ask God to help them know what their vocation is.”
Adapted from an article by Divine Word College