Does God have a specific plan for each of us, or is it more like general guidelines for al of us? How do my gifts and abilities, my personality and particular circumstances, impact my vocation? What is the role of the church in this process? What are the needs of the world that call us to respond? Awakening Vocation explores these questions and breathes new life into an ancient idea - rousing vocation from a centuries-long slumber. Inspired by the broad and inclusive Vision of the Second Vatican Council, the book traces the history of Catholic reflection on vocation and offers a constructive proposal for the present. In plain language, Edward Hahnenberg argues that Catholic thinking on vocation has been frustrated by a deficient theology of grace and that the key to reclaiming the notion of God's call today lies in a Vision of God's self-gift reaching across al of human history and into every human heart. Rethinking vocation in light of a revitalized theology of grace helps move beyond earlier dead ends, opening up new ways of imagining discipleship and discernment within our wonderfully diverse and yet deeply divided world. Edward P. Hahnenberg, PhD, is associate professor of theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and author of Ministries: A Relational Approach and A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II.
"Hahnenberg provides a thorough and readable account of how the notion of vocation has been understood by many of the major theologians since the Reformation. Those of us involved in vocation ministry today find ourselves grappling with the question, 'How do I recognize an authentic vocation in an enquirer into religious life?', and it is hugely helpful to have someone map out the historical terra
Matthew Power, SJ, The Way
"As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops discussed and approved its guidebook for the emerging lay ministries titled 'Coworkers in the Vineyard,' much was made of the need for a comprehensive study of the use of the term vocation in the life of the Church. Awakening Vocation by Edward Hahnenberg is exactly what was being called for. This extensive study will benefit anyone seeking to u
Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, DD Bishop of Tucson
"I highly recommend this book for liturgical academics and students. It challenges us to think liturgy in a different way."
