Teaching Students to Discern God’s Call

This vocations program introduces students to a paradigm to help them come to understand how they will determine their calling in life. While seemingly straightforward—listen to God, hear a call, respond—the paradigm challenges students to actively engage in these steps while pursuing their day-to-day academic and extracurricular pursuits on campus and beyond. Marist theology teacher and campus minister Mr. Nik Rodewald, who has spearheaded the vocations program, said, “This paradigm seeks to ‘de-mystify’ God’s call by focusing on the ways in which God calls us through our own human circumstances…As students grow in emotional maturity and the capacity for self-reflection, this paradigm will provide a useful tool in discerning their own vocation.”

Often, through real-life stories, Marist seeks to exemplify for its students the myriad ways that God calls people to their vocation. The entire school community bore witness to the story of Sister Jean Rhoads, D.C., who visited Marist in early February. A nun professed to the Daughters of Charity for 45 years, Sister Jean has served as an elementary school teacher, nurse, hospital administrator, and founder of a free clinic serving the poor in rural North Carolina. During her visit, she gave a reflection at an all-school Mass and shared advice on how to find one’s vocation.

In her reflection, Sister Jean discussed the importance of being “well-trained, ready, and waiting” at all times. While Sister Jean sensed that she was called to give her life to God, it took her a while to realize what she was supposed to do. She urged students to pray often as they listen for their vocations and to spend time doing things that nurture their souls. She encouraged students to ask for guidance and to open their heart, mind, and spirit. Sister Jean commented, “Only you will know what God wants you to do.”

After Mass, Sister Jean spoke to a group of students about her life with the Daughters of Charity, a community of women who devote their lives to serving the poor and marginalized. She shared about the spirit of the community and connected that spirit with their ministries. In the United States and across the world, the sisters serve the poor where the poor are—through ministries in education, healthcare, daycare and neighborhood services, advocacy, homeless shelters, and outreach services, among others.

As Sister Jean described her personal experience in depth and how she was called to consecrated life, students asked her questions about her daily life (where she lives and what she wears), the ministries she has been involved with, and how often she is able to see her family. While she shared her journey, she reminded them that there are lots of ways to serve Jesus and the Church. Sister Jean said, “There are so many good opportunities for you out there. Being a sister, father, or brother is wonderful but so are other professions and being called to married life…All is good as long as you respond with your heart for the good of others.”

For Marist School, giving students the tools and inspiration to discern their call from God is an essential part of preparing them to be global-ready servant leaders. The Society of Mary, which has owned and operated Marist School since 1901, also places a high regard on vocations and has declared 2022 to be Marist Vocation Year.