The Universal Call to Holiness
Each baptized person is called by God to live a life of communion with Christ and his Church that extends the Kingdom of God, in other words, a life of Holiness. This is our primary vocation in life (the word “vocation” comes from the Latin word for “call”). We respond to this call through living a deep spiritual life, centered in God’s Word and the Eucharist, characterized by active love and service to neighbor. Furthermore, each of the baptized is called to a particular vocation, or way of living this service of love.
To explore opportunities to serve through our parish, please visit our Ministries page.
Marriage and Family Life
Many are called to the vocation of Marriage, which is an intimate communion of life and love ordered toward the good of the husband and wife and the procreation and education of children. Christian families truly become “domestic churches” where God’s love is experienced and proclaimed. They also become schools of mutual service for the building up of a peaceful society.
For information on how to schedule a wedding at Assumption Parish, or for other marriage and family resources, please contact the parish office.
Priesthood
Some men are called to serve the People of God through a share in the apostolic ministry of Christ the Head by teaching, leading, and sanctifying the faithful in the priesthood.
There are two kinds of priests: diocesan and religious order. Diocesan priests are ordained to serve a particular diocese, such as the Diocese of Saginaw. Religious order priests are ordained to serve according to the rule of their religious community, each with its own unique charism (foundational gifts). Examples of religious order priests include the Paulists, Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans, and Redemptorists.
If you have questions or are considering the priesthood, please visit the Diocese of Saginaw Vocations website for more information and helpful resources to guide your discernment.
Diaconate
Named from the Greek word for “servant”, Deacons are ordained men primarily dedicated to the Church’s social and charitable endeavors. They often serve the Liturgy as well through proclaiming the Gospel and preaching the homily, assisting the Priest at the altar, and presiding over the sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony.
For more information on the permanent diaconate, visit the Diocese of Saginaw Diaconate page.
Vowed Religious Life
Some women and men are called to serve the Church through consecrated life in the context of a religious community. They typically take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Through lives of prayer, community, and apostolate, they are icons of Christ’s servant love in the world that remind all people that the ultimate aim of human life is communion with God, not passing worldly pleasures.
For more information on the religious life, please visit the Diocese of Saginaw Religious Life page. To explore religious orders and their apostolates, visit A Guide to Religious Ministries.
Single Lay Vocation
The Church is also blessed by single lay people. Those called to this life are especially close to Jesus’ heart. They live the spirit of the Beatitudes, serving God, church, and neighbor in exemplary fashion. They give witness to selfless service, enriching the Body of Christ and society (especially their workplaces, extended families, and intimate friendships).
To explore opportunities to serve through our parish, please visit our Ministries page.
Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Some lay women and men have been called and trained to assist the pastors of the Church in their ministry. They work as employees or volunteers, taking ministry leadership roles in close mutual collaboration with bishops, priests, and deacons. They often serve in parishes, diocesan agencies, and schools.
If you feel called to explore lay ministry, please visit the Diocese of Saginaw Lay Ministry page.