Vocare

Vocare

What is Vocare?

“Vocare” is a form of a Latin word meaning “to call.”  The Vocare weekend is a renewal weekend addressed to young adults in the time when they face many serious decisions that set the direction for much of their adult life.

Shall my life be self-centered, work and career-centered, pleasure centered, or God-centered?  What will be the most important of these activities, and how can I keep them all going at the same time in a way that makes my life blossom and enables me to live in harmony with creation and God?

Christians who have received the gift of God’s Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Holy Baptism are called by Jesus Christ to grow throughout their life in an intelligent understanding of God, in adoration and love for Him, in praise and thanksgiving, and in readiness to serve others in His name.  How are we going to gain the skills to do that?

The one thing you have to offer your God is your life at its deepest level, how you use your thoughts and attitudes, how you spend your time, and what you say and do with others around you.  All the rest God has already given to you.  Now let’s see whether we can help one another to answer the calling God has made to you through Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives.

The Vocare Format

A Vocare weekend is staffed by people in the 18-30 age group and a few clergy.  This team prepares for the weekend by working and praying together.  There will be a series of talks and discussions that will help us to grow in awareness of being called by God and to help one another in answering this call.  The titles of the talks include: Identity, What Is A Christian, Reconciliation, Response to Christ, Spiritual Journey, Community, Vocation, Empowerment, and Tomorrow, among others.

Besides talks and discussions, we’ll pray, eat, sing, and play together.  There will be time for some quiet thinking alone, and time for talking with priests who are there as spiritual directors for the weekend.  There will also be time for rest.  That’s holy work, too.  Ask questions, speak up, laugh, and enjoy the God of hosts who has done it all for you.

Vocare

Things to Know About Staffing Vocare:

If you have been a pilgrim at Vocare, then you are eligible to serve on a Vocare Staff. Vocare is a free weekend for pilgrims and we want to keep it that way so that it remains open and accessible to all who want and need the Vocare community in their lives. While there is no fee to staff Vocare, staff members are asked to bring a small fee ($40) to the mandatory staff training to help cover the cost of food at the training overnight and offset some of the cost of the weekend.
Vocare

Things to Know About Being a Pilgrim at Vocare:

Who can attend?  Vocare is open to any young adult who is searching for God’s plan for their life.  The traditional age range for those attending is 18-30. Vocare is a weekend of reflection and relaxation in an inclusive, supportive, Christ-like community. It is an intentional and deliberate time of renewal away from the congestions and confusions of daily life to discern your calling. You don’t have to be Episcopalian, from or live in the Diocese of Alabama, or identify as really anything at all to attend, but an open heart and mind are encouraged. Vocare is a weekend all about YOU and it can be whatever you want it and make it out to be. if you have any questions or concerns about signing up for the weekend contact the Lay Rector at vocareofalabama@gmail.com!

What else?

  • What to bring:
    Sheets, towels, snacks to share, warm clothes, outdoor shoes, flashlights, raincoats, and a spirit for adventure!
  • What NOT to bring:
    NO weapons, drugs, or alcohol of any type! Tobacco products are strongly discouraged. Cell phones and other electronics will not be needed.