A Vocation Essay by Jamaica H., 8th Grade

"He gives strength to the fainting, to the weak. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall; they hope that the Lord will renew their strength, and they will soar as with eagle’s wings." This is a short passage from Isaiah 40:25-31. In this verse young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, but the Lord will renew their strength, and they will soar as with eagle’s wings, really stands out. Priest, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters are the ones who receive this strength and will fly like eagles wings. They also show us how to soar.

Priest and deacons show us how to receive these strengths, and they help us soar. They do this by example through their work and ministry. A deacon plays a very important role in the church. They show like Jesus did how to be a servant and a follower. They help the priests and bishops, they are ready to do what they are asked and don’t complain. Much like God asked Jesus to die for us and our sins and did what he was told without complaining, deacons follow bishops’ commands. They show us how to be leaders at times and followers at other times. They help the parish by helping with food pantries and distributing the food to the needy. They help lead the community in doing well for all people, not just in the community but in the world also.

A priest is very important in the Catholic Church. He helps us see God through the distribution of the sacraments. A priest helps initiate the youth of today into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Priests Baptize, to invite or bring us into the parish, and rid us of original sin. Also through the sacrament of confirmation we are finally initiated into the Catholic Church. They also help us through the sacrament of Reconciliation which helps us clean our soul and helps us get closer to God, through the forgiveness of our sins. We get to receive some of the powers of the Holy Spirit. We get to receive the strengths and wisdom that the Holy Spirit brings to us, which in turn brings us closer to God. A priest plays an important role in shaping us and eventually helping us get our wings so we may fly to God.

Religious brothers and sisters play a vital role in helping us see God every day. They show, teach, and prepare us to be with God for all eternity. They are examples and show us how to make our faith stronger through their strong faith and wisdom; they teach us how to pray the rosary in ways that we can be closer to Mary. They teach that by getting to know Mary we can know and draw closer to Jesus. They are the stairs that help us get to heaven and see God. They help me realize that sometimes I need to slow down and see the good in people and things, and see God in others. In turn I will be closer to God, and closer to seeing his divine mercy.

God reveals himself in many ways. Priest, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters are only pieces of the puzzle, the puzzle that helps figure out the way to see Jesus and receive the gift of his kingdom. If we follow their example we can receive our wings and fly.