Who Are You Called to Be?

Cathi Kennedy’s own journey of discernment can be a lesson for others. Whatever you are called to be, the work depends on you.

I did not intend for 2024 to be a year of discernment, but that is what unfolded.  

2023 was a year of transformation — my husband and I officially became empty nesters, and I wasn't sure what my role as a mother and wife looked like in this new season.  

Discerning my gifts 

I started writing in 2016 as a way to process my grief from my mother's death. I poured my heart onto the page, and the words just kept coming. 

I found Catholic organizations to write for, and I even got paid for some writing assignments. It started to feel like something bigger than myself. 

In February 2020, I attended a Catherine of Siena Institute Called and Gifted workshop. Called and Gifted is a program of discernment of spiritual gifts — charisms — that we've each been given by the Holy Spirit.  

Seeing that "writer" was one of my top gifts was eye-opening and affirming. 

Fast forward to this year, where I've attended two Catholic women's retreats, a conference for young women to discern and establish their vocations, a solo writing retreat, and, most recently, a week-long writing residency in Ireland. 

I've spent the year filling up my head, heart, and soul with God's word, prayer, and wisdom from other women who've walked a similar path.  

It's all pointed me toward writing; keep going is what I've heard. 

Unseal your orders 

If your budget of money and time does not allow week-long or even weekend retreats, I suggest daily prayer, reading scripture, and as much time in adoration as your schedule allows.  

One of the best pieces of advice I've received came from a friend while we ate breakfast at a favorite local restaurant: Keep putting yourself out there, and the opportunities will come. 

It was true. As much as praying, discerning, and listening are good navigation tools, the work must begin.  

Whether you are making Rosaries, leading groups of people, writing, painting, raising children, or becoming a doctor — whatever you are called to be, the work depends on you.  

At the writing residency I attended last week, our author-in-residence, Heather King, shared in her introduction that to be a writer is to unseal our orders. 

Sealed orders are the gifts we’ve been given that are unique to each of us.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). 

There is no denying that I'm called to write. It is an obligation and an honor — as everyone's orders are. 

I am utterly and forever grateful for all that's led me here. And now it's time to get on with it. 

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Copyright 2024 Cathi Kennedy
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