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Vocare is from the Latin meaning "to call." It also happens to be the name of a renewal movement geared at Episcopal young adults. Now, if you've read this topic before, you're probably confused. I don't come off as the kind of person who promotes anything renewal oriented or evangelical in any way. For the most part, you'd be correct. Vocare, however, is definitely an Anglican version of a youth retreat, and it suits my proprieties very well.
During the Vocare weekend, each person who has not done a Vocare before is termed a candidate. That weekend from that point on is "theirs." My Vocare was #11 with Vocare in the Diocese of Michigan, and I will forever have the label of "Vocati," as someone who has experienced a Vocare weekend. It's not the same as being an oblate or associate of a religious order, but in many ways it is similar. There is a definite feeling of belonging to a community and the responsibility that goes with it. The weekend activities include lots of music, prayer, and discussions, along with worship, private reflection time, and recreation. Each weekend is run by a team, with the person in charge termed "rector." There is a spiritual director for each weekend who is part of the team, usually a priest or deacon. Additionally there are team members who comprise the kitchen team, prayer team, music, and others who make the weekend run smoothly. Activities center around the "talks." Each talk is geared toward the central theme of Vocare, the call to vocation. While the talks are given by different team members at each weekend, the same themes are repeated. Titles include, Identity, What is a Christian?, Response to Christ, Community, Tomorrow, and the vocation talks: Single, Married, Laity, Ordained. These talks aim at the questions of career, community, and relationships that are often the most important concerns for young adults. They encourage a deepened relationship with Christ as the best way to discern God's path for each person.
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