The Vocations Canada Conference began for me in silence — the moment I opened the door to my room at the Alt Hotel. Before any keynote or workshop, I was first greeted by creation itself: an endless stretch of blue water, calm beneath the open sky, and a great cruise ship resting gently upon it. In that stillness, I felt pure joy, the kind that rises not from activity but from wonder.
This is story is part of a series. Four representatives from the Archdiocese took part in the National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD) Canada Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland Sept. 22-25. Sr. Lynde J. Ates S.A. is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement
Right then, I was reminded: God is near — revealed in the joy of the sky. And whenever our hearts rejoice at such beauty, it is not just admiration; it is invitation. We were created to respond to Him.
Vocation is not only about sacrifice — it is about joy. The joy of knowing we are loved, called, and created for a purpose.
As a Franciscan sister, I feel this call especially in my charism of service, simplicity, and joy. We Franciscans are called to be close to the poor and to the young, to witness God’s love in everyday life, and to remind others that even in small gestures, God is present. The joy we experience when we look at the sky reminds me of the Franciscan spirit: everything is a sign of God’s goodness and abundance, and every encounter — especially with youth — is a chance to illuminate God’s love.
At the conference, I reconnected with religious brothers and sisters from across Canada, and some familiar faces from the United States. Beneath our smiles, however, there was also a shared reality we could not ignore:
Every congregation today is facing a vocation crisis.
Numbers may be declining. Houses may be fewer. But hope has not left us. Even in crisis, we do not step back — we step closer to the young. If we were not there for them, who would be?
In the workshop “Youth and Young Adult Ministry as a Door to Vocation Discernment,” by Fr. Santo Arrigo, CsSR, we were reminded that accompaniment is not optional — it is mission. If Hope is our North Star, then walking with the young is our compass.
A Jesuit reflection on “A Spiritual View of the Stars” by Bro. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, echoed the same truth: We feed the poor not only to fill stomachs — but to restore their ability to look up.
Faith and reason are two wings that lift the soul toward truth. And when we look at the sky — in joy, in awe — we remember that we are small yet profoundly loved.
Sr. Barbara Reid, OP, completed the constellation of insights in her session on “Stars and Biblical Journeys.” In Scripture, stars were God’s way of guiding, promising, and revealing abundance. The same stars that led Abraham and the Magi still shine today, reminding us: God is still leading.
As a Franciscan sister, I leave this gathering with renewed conviction:
Hope is our North Star. Shine your light.
Even in the vocation crisis — look up.
Find God in the joy of the sky.
Respond with wonder.
Walk with the young.
For vocation is not only sacrifice —
It is the joy of being loved and called for a purpose.
And in our Franciscan way, may we continue to serve with joy, accompany with love, and inspire wonder in all those we meet — showing that God is near, and every life is a star in His creation.
Donor’s generosity provides vocation training
Thanks to generous donors, Emil and Sophie Motoska, a fund was established many years ago that provides financial support for formative experiences for young adults as they search how best to live their baptismal call and for those fostering retreats, conference et cetera that nurture the living of one’s baptismal commitment.
Read the whole Vocation Series:
Each of us a mission to nurture God’s call
Joy that we are loved, called and created for a purpose
Never-ending depths of discovery
Religious communities have much to offer young adults
For information on the Archdiocesan Vocations Awareness Committee, contact Sr. Mary Clare Stack, U.J.: mctstack@outlook.com
Read more about Vocations Awareness Committee Gathering Nov. 23
Read more about Archdiocesan Vocations
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