The vocation of single life is not a second-best option after marriage but a vocation that allows you to love the people in your life in a unique way.
‘We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.’
- Pope Francis
Not everyone gets married or feels called to the priesthood or religious life. This means that there are many who are living a single life, for some by choice and for some not.
Whatever the context, single people are a valued part of the Church, called to holiness, called to put their gifts at the service of the world.
"The state of being single is what we’re all born into and remains the default situation for those who have not found a vocation to marriage, priesthood or consecrated life …
To embrace the single life as a lay person in a lifelong commitment is sometimes called apostolic celibacy. Although there is not a formal confirmation process as for other vocations, this is a real vocation and is of increasing significance in the life of the Church." - National Office for Vocation
For many, accepting single life can be difficult, particularly if this is not the life that they had anticipated or planned for.
The yearnings for marriage and family are natural and they are amazing gifts, but they are not essential to living a fulfilled life and they are not for everyone.
Life to the full is not exclusive to those who are married and have children. Many of the saints lived single lives, so did Jesus. Jesus lived the fullest of human lives and he did this as a single man.
St Paul even wrote, 'I wish that all were as I myself am [single]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.' (1 Corinthians 7:7)
All of life is a gift, every day. If you are single, your life is still meaningful and your life is still a gift from God. There is still so much to be grateful for.
Are you looking for pastoral support or guidance about the Single Life? Get in touch with our Pastoral Development team who are here to help you in your journey of discipleship.
