The Franciscan understanding of vocation is that each one of us is called to follow God by discerning our own and respecting each other's call. The Office of Vocation Development encourages students, staff, faculty, and alumni to seek out how they are to live in this world, to accept and respond to the calling that is evident in the circumstances in which God has placed them.
The focus of vocation is at the heart of who we are.
"I have done what was mine to do, may Christ teach you yours."
--St. Francis of Assisi
What is Vocation and What Do We Do?
Our definition of vocation is: Employing one's gifts and talents in a lifetime
of doing what God has called one to do.
The Office of Vocation Development works to engage, equip, encourage, and enable
individuals to pursue their call to service.
Through our programs, we will nurture and generate a cadre of young religious
leaders. Such persons will live out their lives as ordained or lay leaders within
churches, faith-based organizations, religious communities, and the businesses,
organizations and institutions of our society.
Vocation Counseling
An intensive and individual exploration into calling, meaning and purpose is available
through the Office of Vocation Development.
We will help you answer questions such as:
- What am I suppose to do with my life?
- How can I make a difference in the world?
- What is God calling me to do?
The services we offer include:
- Opportunities for discerning and clarifying your call
- Spiritual gifts assessment
- Personality assessment
- Skills and interest assessment
- Retreats and get-aways
- Development of personal mission and purpose statements
- Development of a vocation plan
Internships and Service Learning
An integral component of learning at Stritch is the opportunity for
real-world experience. Internships, which usually require 10-20 hours a
week, help students achieve specific learning goals. The Office of Vocation
Development will assist in obtaining internships with a faith-based agency,
church, or organization.
Career Services also provides internship information. Please contact Career Services directly.
Some academic departments require internships and provide course credit for these experiences.
Students or prospective students should inquire with the respective academic department for more information.
Field Placements
Field placements provide students with experiences in a specific segment of the
community, to broaden perspective and exposure. Students are assisted in selecting
the appropriate field site, and determining the duration and goals for the field
experience. These experiences require a commitment of three to eight hours a week.
Placements may be made with OVD partner agencies, churches or organizations.
Faith-to-Faith Mentoring Program
This program allows faculty and staff to make a positive and lasting impact on the
life of a student and vice versa. The program forms connections that lead to mutual
and personal empowerment in a number of ways.
Those include faith-sharing discussions; exploring each individual's unique gifts,
abilities and potential; and guiding one another in understanding and living a purposeful life.
With faith at the heart of the sharing, participants can seek answers to the
fundamental questions of life, explore how to fulfill their place in life, and better
understand and connect with who they are while deepening an understanding of the life
they are called to live.
Contact the Office of Vocation Development for more information.
Inner View Spirituality Groups
These groups provide students, faculty and staff with opportunities to gather with
their peers. Individuals can share their views of who they are and what they believe;
seek clarity, direction, understanding and encouragement; and equip themselves for a
life lived with purpose.
Groups may meet for a short time or indefinitely, and they may take on many forms. For example:
- Book groups
- Movie groups
- Residence Hall groups
- Commuter groups
- Service reflection groups
- Vocation specific groups
- Special interest groups
- Alumni groups
Groups may be coordinated and facilitated by the OVD staff, or by the participants themselves.