The universal call to holiness is the baptismal vocation of every Christian. [See Gaudate et exsultate link below]  God calls everyone to holiness. The Call to Holiness is not only for each person’s individual benefit, but our vocation also serves the community, strengthening it, healing it, and leading it. Responding to God’s Call and seeking God and your role within the Body of Christ, is the act of a mature spirituality in service to God, self, and the Catholic Church. 
 
Gaudete et exsultate: Apostolic Exhortation on the call to holiness in today's world (19 March 2018) | Francis
 
St. Teresa of Avila Parish helps support and provide our parish with information on vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage and family life.
The Diocese of Sacramento provides more information about vocations to the priesthood:  Office of Vocations | Diocese of Sacramento
 
We invite all parishioners to pray for our universal call for vocations using one of the prayers below:

God, in Baptism you called me by name
and made me a member of your people, the Church.
Help all your people to know their vocation in life,
and to respond by living a life of holiness.
For your greater glory and for the service of your people,
raise up dedicated and generous leaders
who will serve as sisters, priests, brothers, deacons, and lay ministers.
Send your Spirit to guide and strengthen me
that I may serve your people
following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ,
in whose name I offer this prayer.
Amen.

Loving God, You speak to us and nourish us through the life of this church community.
In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the church.
We pray, especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation to be a priest, sister, brother, or deacon.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call be encouraged and strengthened through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.

Almighty God, please open our minds and hearts to your light and truth
as we discern and fulfill our vocations according to your will. 
May the intercession of our Blessed Mother,
guide us in our vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage and family life. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.