vocatio

Vocatio is a Latin noun meaning calling or summons, from vocare “to call.” In English usage, vocation denotes a recognized calling to a particular way of life, work, or service, typically seen as more enduring than a temporary job.

Religiously, vocatio has a long place in Christian thought as discernment of one’s divine calling to a specific state of life, especially priesthood or religious life. Catholic theology speaks of discernment, grace, and a “state of life” (marriage, priesthood, religious life, or single lay life) as part of the vocation. In Catholic practice, individuals often undergo a discernment process to determine whether to pursue priesthood, religious vows, or lay service; this is sometimes framed as listening for God’s vocation. In Protestant traditions, the concept likewise informs how believers understand their roles within the church and society, while often emphasizing the dignity of lay work.

Historically, the sense of vocation broadened beyond clerical roles. In the Reformation and later modern thought, vocation came to include secular employment, with leaders such as Martin Luther arguing that all honest work can serve God, not merely church offices. This shift helped establish a model in which work itself can be a calling oriented to community and moral purpose.

In contemporary usage, vocational guidance and career counseling help individuals identify interests, skills, values, and work contexts to pursue professions aligned with a broader sense of calling. In sociology and psychology, vocation describes a life-direction characterized by meaning and contribution rather than mere compensation. Critics note that the term can feel prescriptive or elitist when it implies some paths are more legitimate “callings” than others.