An Invitation to Serve the Lord
Many hundreds of students have found their religious vocation starting with their education at SJU. We take great pride in knowing that so many have responded to God's Call for a greater life of service in the Church as ordained or religious. If you have ever considered a religious vocation, our resource page here is a great place to start your discernment.
My Vocation and SJU
![Vinny Marchionni, SJ 1]()
“I was a sophomore at SJU when I felt a pull to live simply and to put my faith into action for the Kingdom of God. I’ve been trying to follow the Lord ever since!”
![Sister Valerie]()
"Discerning your vocation is not a once-and-done experience. You have to continue choosing your commitment in every moment. I am grateful to start each day continuing to choose to seek God in prayer and ministry as a Benedictine Sister of Erie."
![William Forrey]()
My experience at Saint Joseph’s University had a profound and lasting impact on my life and vocation. I was shaped not only by the academic education I received, but also by the university’s deep Jesuit tradition.
Discernment Groups
The process of discernment can be intimidating! Many find it helpful to know that they are not alone while considering a possible religious vocation. If you're interested in discussing your discernment in a group setting, Men's and Women's groups are available on campus as well as in a virtual format.
If you're interested in connecting with one of these groups, reach out one of our campus ministers or staff in the Office of Mission officeofmission@sju,edu
Religious Orders are as Diverse as the Church Itself!
Wondering what the options are for religious life? There are hundreds of religious orders in addition to Diocesan Clergy across the world. Check out these resources to find more information about some of the ones we connect with regularly in order to help your discernment.
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Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
![Jesuit]()
Founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, the charism of the Society of Jesus is know throughout the world for its focus on discernment, Finding God in All Things, and education. Jesuits have been a part of campus life since our origins in 1851 and are still present teaching and ministering to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni today!
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Augustinians
![Augustinian Logo]()
Augustinians are know for their pursuit of truth and learning in a legacy that reaches back to St. Augustine of Hippo. With communities for men and women, Augustinians serve a variety of educational and religious ministries in our region and around the world, counting Pope Leo XVI among their members.
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Archdiocese of Philadelphia Vocations
![Cathedral Basilica Philadelphia]()
If you feel called to the Diocesan Priesthood, the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is a great place to start! Archdiocesan priests tend to the flock at one of the regions many parishes and ministries.
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Sisters of Saint Joseph (SSJ)
![SSJ Logo]()
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia is rooted in Ignatian Spirituality. Their Motherhouse is located nearby in Chestnut Hill but the congregation lives and works in 12 states throughout America. The sisters ministry extends to a variety of social justice causes and in their own words are: "...joyful, courageous witnesses to the Gospel imperative of active, inclusive love."
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Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
![Sacred Heart Stained Glass Window]()
Many students encounter the Handmaids through retreats at St. Raphaela Center in Havertown which this order staffs. With a spirituality rooted in the Ignatian Tradition, the Handmaids serve ministries in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and across the world.
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Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists)
![Redemptorists Logo]()
With a long tradition working in Philadelphia (Bishop St. John Neuman was a member), the Redemptorists serve the poor and those spiritually abandoned. They work in parishes and ministries in 82 countries.
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Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists)
![candles in the dark]()
If you feel called to a more contemplative life consider discerning a vocation with one of a number of Trappist Communities. These religious live in community and draw closer to God through quiet contemplation and count Thomas Merton among their many notable members.
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Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM)
![IHM Logo]()
Known throughout our Philadelphia Region for their long time work in Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese, "IHM" sisters continue to work in education as well as ministries to the elderly, imprisoned, campus ministry, and many others across the country and South America.
Check out our Calendar of Vocation Events
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september21
Virtual Social with the Jesuits of Puerto Rico
6PM Central Time
Email for More Information -
september27
9:00AM-6:00PM
IHM Sisters "Come & See"
Villa Maria House of Studies, Malvern, PA
RSVP Here -
october16
Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey
"Come & See" Trappist Cistercian Nuns
Email for Information -
october19
7:30-8:30
Augustian Virtual "Come & See"
More Information and Registration
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Is it Ok to be nervous about a Vocation?
Absolutely! Most feel some fear or trepidation at the prospect of a calling to religious life. Yet, grounded in the knowledge that God desires what is best for us, the greatest method to combat these feelings is with openness and effective discernment.
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How do I know God is calling me to a Religious Vocation?
For most this is an individual answer unique to the person. Often, the indications are in small ways: joy at attending Mass, helping others, or working in service and social justice. Confirmation of the calling usually also comes from trusted relatives and friends. Mostly, the deep feeling of peace when imagining themselves in religious life- a response to the "Magis" or "greater" in the Jesuit tradition is true confirmation.
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What is the Most Important Thing I can do right now?
Pray! "Pray without ceasing" as St. Paul says. Any vocation begins with prayer. Even if you ultimately discern religious life isn't for you, the Church needs prayer for vocations at all times. A simple traditional prayer is this: "Gracious God and Father, We praise You for Your goodness and love. We ask You to stir the hearts of all those You call to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Send Your Holy Spirit upon our families and our children. Choose from our University those called to this adventure of love. With Mary, Mother of every vocation, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen"
Spiritual Direction
Key to understanding the nature of your vocation as well as sifting through conflicting emotions regarding potential religious life is engaging with a licensed spiritual director. We are happy to help match you with a spiritual director for SJU students or alumni. Our vast director database can help you find the nature of your calling. Contact the Office of Mission to inquire about spiritual direction today!
VOCATION COORDINATION at SJU
If you would like to have an in-person connection on campus to discuss your discernment or help to find some of the answers to the many questions you have connect with our staff in the Office of Mission located in Wolfington Hall(Campus Ministry)
