The Two Tables: Inviting Others to Join the Feast

“Are you called?”

What seems like such a simple question, is actually one of the biggest in a Catholic man’s life. A quiet whisper in the stillness of his heart, inviting him to discern Religious Life and the Priesthood. A whisper that can only be heard if he leans into the silence. It’s a place many in today’s world are hesitant to go, and in some cases, a place they might not know how to get to.

This December 20th, Father Nathan (the Vocations Director) and the Canons Regular are inviting you, men ages 16 - 35, to participate in a Vocations Come and See Day (Register Here). An opportunity to enter into the silence, to be able to join the Community at both tables, taking part in the Canons’ Horarium, joining them for Mass, Meals, Community Recreation, a vocations panel, and so much more. A moment to truly consider the question in your heart.

But what are the two tables? First and foremost, the Mass, followed closely by the family dinner table. This correlation is something the Canons often discuss, noting the importance of each and how one bleeds into the other. They talk about the necessity of time for the family to gather, to unite for an hour and eat together, to worship God in small ways, to share in the joys and sorrows of the family around you. The chance to establish good habits, family traditions, and to be still in the presence of those that you love. All of which coincide with participating in Mass, at the table of the Altar.

Remember when you were a kid, and you were invited to join your friend and their family for dinner for the first time? Perhaps there was a little bit of excitement, a desire to be on your best behavior, to be quiet and possibly just observe. You were invited into this normal, yet somewhat intimate encounter with your friend. A glance inside of who their family was. You got to listen as their dad shared embarrassing stories, and watch while subtle looks from siblings were exchanged as tales ranging from silly and ridiculous, to sweet and sentimental, were divulged. You walked away feeling like you knew more about your friend, about their family, and for an evening, you felt like you were a part of it.

This is what The Canons are inviting you to this December. The Come and See Day is an invitation to join The Canons Regular at both tables. To discern with other men who might also be hearing that still small voice whispering to their hearts; “Are you called?”