Welcome from the Vocation Director

Hello, my name is Mr. Jack Ridout and I want to welcome you to the Marist Fathers and Brothers web site.   I am the Director of Vocation Ministry for the Marist Fathers and Brothers here in the United States.

The Marist Fathers and Brothers is a branch of a much larger family tree that includes the Marist Sisters, the Marist Missionary Sisters, the Marist Teaching Brothers and the Marist Laity. Feel free to click on these names and you will be linked to their particular web sites where you can find more information about each group.

What does the Director of Vocation Ministry do?
In this capacity, I offer whatever assistance to anyone who feels a desire to explore Marist religious life. As a lay Marist, I am delighted to share with you my own vocation story about how I came to this position in the Society of Mary.  You may see some parallels in my story that will help you with your own desire to see where God is calling you.

My job is to provide you with as much information about the Marists as you need so that you can make an informed decision -- one that will be borne out of much prayer, reflection and dialogue.

Explain to me what happens if I request information about the Marists.

Once the request is received, an information packet is sent out from the Vocation Office.  After the information is sent, you can expect to be contacted to make sure that you received the material and to answer any questions you may have.

I will explain a little bit about the Marists and give you some basic information about discernment that can be of help you.  At this time I may ask a little about yourself e.g. your age, your education, whether you have been married, where you are working or studying and what has interested you in religious life.

If I want additional information?

Contact me by phone, letter or email.

Each religious congregation has something unique to offer, and while that uniqueness is often described in brochures, you really need to see it lived. At times I invite young men to visit one of our communities, this is really the best way to learn about any religious congregation.  There are two houses for this, one in Berkeley, CA (St. Peter Chanel Seminary, our postulant house) and the other is in Atlanta, GA (Marist High School).

If these visits are a financial difficulty for you, please let me know.

Should I feel obligated to the Marists after having visited a community?
After the first visit, you can decide whether or not you want to maintain contact with us and if you would want to visit any of our other communities. There is no pressure for you to make any decision about the Marists! You should feel free to discontinue your contact with us at any time. Know that you will leave with the blessings of the Marists as you continue your journey.

Final comments
Finally, let me "walk along" with you, like those followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus until you recognize where God is leading you.  Pursuing a vocation to religious life and the priesthood takes a lot of courage and I will be happy to "walk" and discern with you on this most wonderful journey.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mr. Jack Ridout

•Discernment      •Beginning the Path      •Using Your Gifts 
• I Am a Marist      •What About You?      •Come and See

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