As part of Autism Consecrated’s vision “to realize autism’s belonging in the Body of Christ,” we are setting up a Vocations area with the intention of offering support and encouragement to autistic people who have been called to certain vocations on behalf of the Church: the diocesan priesthood, religious orders, consecrated virgins, and hermits.  The specific calling you have from the Lord gives you something in common with everyone else who shares that calling.  In accepting the calling, you are taking on a way of life that is already established and which comes with a number of expectations.  In all of this, you are on the same page as everyone else who shares your calling.

On the other hand, you are autistic.  You are not totally defined by your autism. Nevertheless, your autism influences nearly every aspect of your lives, including how you understand, respond to and live out your vocation in the Church.  Your autism gives you certain challenges that others around you may not understand – anxiety, a need for routine, or difficulties with social interactions, to name some examples. At the same time, your autism gives you gifts and graces that not everyone has or will understand, either.  You may find yourself unusually sensitive to the spiritual realm.  You may have an allergy to doublespeak or hypocrisy that may irritate others but shows your commitment to truth.  You may discover that the Lord’s power is made most evident in what others would call your weaknesses.

Even though you may have a strong commitment to your vocation and have friends who support your vocation, being autistic means that a significant aspect of your life is not readily understood by even those who are close to you.  You may feel isolated or unseen.

Here, we wish to offer a space where you can be seen and understood, as much as you wish.  We wish to offer ways by which you can see your autism more holistically and better integrate it into your vocation and your life as a whole.

This is a work in progress.  We may offer some resources or posts that we hope you will find helpful.  I can offer my experiences of negotiating my vocation as a diocesan priest and a contemplative while being autistic.  On the sidebar, you will see where we are setting up a forum for users to seek support from us and from one another.  We are open to any suggestions you may have as to what you would find most helpful from a page like this one.  Likewise, we encourage you to share this page with those you know who might find it helpful.

May Saint Thorlak, our Patron, guide us as we seek to help one another!

Peace in the Lord,

Father Mark Nolette