Book Review...?

So I just finished reading this book "Party of One." It was suggested to me by one of the coordinators of the "Catholics on Call" conference that I attended at the beginning of August. I am not going to call it life changing...I don't want to get anyone's hopes up...however. I really enjoyed this book. It was something I could read chapter by chapter at my own pace and it kind of gives an overview of what exactly the single life vocation is, if you have been following this blog you will know that it has been very difficult for me to find a ton of information on the single life. This book attacks the question starting out with what the single life is NOT. The book is written by a lady who lives in Chicago, who lives the single life vocation. But it isn't just her story, she has also gathered the stories of several people who have discerned the single life, are currently discerning, and who live the single life. It hits on many of the struggles that a single faces, questions like "why aren't you dating?", "can i set you up with my friend?", "are you just not interested in the opposite sex?", and the assumptions "they just couldn't find anyone", "they can do it they don't have a family at home to care for", "singles are carefree".

Reading this book has helped to ease my mind on a discernment of the single life vocation. Over this summer it has become more and more of a viable option for my future. At least for the current time I feel that I am moving my focus for discernment solely to the single life...if a lovely lady comes along I'm not just going to leave her hanging but reading this book has helped clarify a lot of the vocation for me and I want to spend my energy toward something that I really feel God might be calling me toward.

At the very least this book has given me the background, and sparked the fire. Whether or not I am called to the single life...still God's decision...I now feel the confidence and the urge to be an advocate for the vocation that is often forgotten. I want to be able to explain to others that this is a viable option for them as well, but ultimately that it is God who will call them...we just have to be open to listen.

Catholics on Call

I attended the Catholics on Call contreat (conference-retreat) this week. It was an eye opening experience and one I will not soon forget. Catholics on Call was a gathering of Young Adult Catholics who are discerning their life vocations and career vocations. We were all in different places in our discernment processes. But we all held much in common, and because of this we connected quickly.

Some of the most memorable moments were made after 10pm, with theological discussion, night prayer, and praise and worship.

What I took out of this week was the tools for further discernment. Am I doing it right, where should my focus be, am I truly open to what God is calling me to do?

Another point I took from this weekend was how I might serve the church more effectively. I feel inclined to seek out a Masters Degree in theology or pastoral ministries so that I might be better prepared to serve my parish and the greater Church community.

One of the greatest things that came from this weekend though was the amazing community from Catholics on Call. I learned so much this weekend and a lot of it was because of all those I shared the experience with. I love all of those who make up Catholics on Call 2012, we are the future of the Church...the Church is in good hands.