“I, therefore,… beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Ephesians 4:1)
Christ calls us to be witnesses to the Gospel. Each of us plays an important role in the life and future of the Church. We serve Christ and each other best through lives lived well… be that through marriage, a single life or as a consecrated religious, deacon or priest. Our spiritual development is ongoing; grounded in the sacraments and nurtured through prayer.
“For we, though many, are one body in Christ. … Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them.” (Romans 12: 5-6)
Priesthood
Men who feel a call to the priesthood are encouraged to contact the Arlington Diocese Office for Vocations at (703) 841-2514 or [email protected]. The diocesan website provides information about discernment groups and other events at www.arlingtondiocese.org/vocations.
Consecrated Life
Throughout history there have been men and women who, like St. Paul, used their gifts to serve God and their communities. Through various ways they have brought the Good News of Christ’s redemption to generations.
At St. James, we have been blessed to have the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs) administering our school since 1923. Today, they minister to not only our school children, but through our Religious Education Program, all parish children. Sr. Helen Maureen directs our Sick and Homebound Program. If you feel Christ might be calling you please contact one of the Sisters in our Convent or Sister Rose Bernadette Mulligan, IHM, Office of Vocations via email or at 610-889-1533.
You may also contact the Arlington Diocese for more information on other religious orders or choices for a consecrated life. You can reach the Office for Vocations at 703-841-2514 or [email protected].
Diaconate
For information about the permanent diaconate, contact Fr. Paul Scalia at 703-841-3809 or [email protected].
Pictures provided by Diocese of Arlington and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary