You Have Questions, We Have Answers
How do I know if I am being called to vocation?
The Discernment process will help you decide if God is "calling" you, and what you re being asked to do, be it as a priest, a brother, or an active lay person. Read through our Discernment information and let us know if you have addtional questions. We look forward to helping you in this "vocation exploration process!"
What makes the Society of Mary special?
I don't know if special would be the word to describe the Society of Mary. A certain way of living the Gospel, the way Mary lived it, is the best way to describe us. "A Certain Way" is a 1995 book written by Craig Larkin, S.M.and is the story of the men and women who commited themselves to what they called "The Work of Mary." It is also the story of what makes today's Marists think, judge, and act. Available on the web, we invite you to better understand the Society of Mary's, "A Certain Way."
Visit "A Certain Way" website>
Why do Marists give up their personal freedom when they vow obedience to God through the community?
It can be said that Marists give up a certain kind of individual freedom in order to find a more profound freedom in community. They obey the decisions of the community and its superiors in order to respond to the needs of others more effectively and to unite themselves with their fellow Marists.
What happens if I request information about the Marists?
Once the request is received, an information packet is sent out from the Vocation Office. After the information is sent, you can expect to be contacted to make sure that you received the material and to answer any questions you may have.
I will explain a little bit about the Marists and give you some basic information about discernment that can be of help you. At this time I may ask a little about yourself e.g. your age, your education, whether you have been married, where you are working or studying and what has interested you in religious life.
If I want additional information?
Contact me by phone, letter or email.
Jack Ridout, Vocations Director
Marist Fathers and Brothers Vocation Office
St. Peter Chanel Seminary
2335 Warring St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: 510-486-1232 or toll free 866-298-3715
E-mail: Vocations@maristsociety.org
Are there opportunities to visit a Marist community?
Each religious congregation has something unique to offer, and while that uniqueness is often described in brochures, you really need to see it lived. At times I invite young men to visit one of our communities, this is really the best way to learn about any religious congregation. There are two houses for this, one in Berkeley, CA (St. Peter Chanel Seminary, our postulant house) and the other is in Atlanta, GA (Marist High School).
If these visits are a financial difficulty for you, please let me know.
Am I obligated to the Marists after having visited a community?
After the first visit, you can decide whether or not you want to maintain contact with us and if you would want to visit any of our other communities. There is no pressure for you to make any decision about the Marists! You should feel free to discontinue your contact with us at any time. Know that you will leave with the blessings of the Marists as you continue your journey.
Request More Information
about the Society of Mary
as your vocation.
There is a certain way
of living the Gospel,
the way Mary lived it,
as understood by a group
of people called Marists.
It is what makes
today’s Marists think,
judge and act.
|
Do you have
additional questions we have not answered here?
Phone: 510-486-1232 E-mail: Vocations@maristsociety.org I look forward to |
Mary seeks today
through the Marists
to transform and
renew the Church.
Her desire is that
all people
be welcomed
into
God’s loving embrace.
Copyright 2011, Society of Mary in the US (Marist Fathers and Brothers). All Rights Reserved.