The third annual Called and Chosen Lasallian Vocation Retreat for female students was held at St. Joseph’s Camp in January. Twelve students and eight adults from District high schools and Saint Mary’s College gathered to reflect on what God was calling them to do. Co-facilitated by Marilyn Paquette, Director of Lasallian Student Programs, and Br. George Van Grieken, Director of Vocation Ministry, the retreat provided a venue for sharing and learning about a variety of vocations including teaching, married life, single life, and religious life. Over the three days of the event, the participants listened to vocation stories of moderators, wrote in journals and participated in group sharing to reach a better understanding of their call in life. There was also plenty of time for meditation and guided prayer.

Participants found the experience helpful. One young woman reflected that “I had never thought of a vocation as anything other than priesthood, sisterhood, or marriage. Now I understand that it’s much more. It’s what you are called to do, the very essence of your being.”

The De La Salle Christian Brothers have long hosted vocation retreats for male students, but when the schools became co-ed, the District recognized there was a need for vocational discernment opportunities for women as well and instituted this program in 2007.

For more information, contact Marilyn Paquette, Br. George Van Grieken or visit the Brothers’ vocation website.