While vocations are often unconsidered until adulthood, this was not the case for the Usticks. As a family, they were always active in their Catholic communities and participated in Catholic homeschooling. Exposure to the faith was constant, and the various vocations were discussed early with all three of their children.

“It was a natural flow when talking about their futures, dreams, and things they might like to become when they grow up,” said Marla. “Sometimes it was simply presented as ‘Well, what do you think of becoming a priest?’ We tried to always keep the idea of a vocation open along with all the other possibilities for their life, especially by reminding them that God has a plan for their life, and His plan would be the best.” 

A vocation is a choice made in response to an invitation from the Lord. Presenting opportunities for openness better allows one to listen to His call.

“It gives them the freedom to consider the possibility of a vocation for their life,” she added. “To ask the questions — to search out if that would perhaps be for them. To have it presented to them as a possibility for their life just might plant the seed in their heart.”

By allowing her children the opportunity to prayerfully discern their vocation, Marla believes she gave God the space to work in their lives, allowing them to flourish and embrace the unique callings He placed before them.

“We were not surprised when Father Anthony expressed a desire to enter the seminary,” she recalled. “There were signs along the way that indicated he was discerning if this was for him. We knew that if God was calling him to the priesthood, we would certainly support that.” 

Father Anthony Ustick was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg in 2015, but he was not their only child who discerned this vocation.

“Our son answered the call to the priesthood, and our other son also answered the call to discern. He prayed, sought God’s will, and discerned he was not called to the priesthood. He has now been married for 17 years with four beautiful children.”

In a world that often sees marriage as the default, there can be an element of fear surrounding a child possibly desiring a different vocation. In addition to the joys of marriage and grandchildren, attending Masses celebrated by her son and seeing her husband get to serve as he lives out his vocation of the permanent diaconate have been indescribable blessings for her and have impacted her greatly.

While they are blessed with a variety of vocations, Marla acknowledged that they are not superior.

“We are no different from any other family. We’ve had our share of difficulties, problems, and have not always responded to them in the most virtuous ways,” she said. “Still, in spite of this, our Lord has brought forth these vocations, and all for His glory. My children and husband have responded to these vocations they’ve been given, as have I, to the best of our ability.”

Married life and priesthood are just two of the primary vocations that someone could be called to. The Lord also calls men and women to be religious brothers or sisters, members of societies of apostolic life or secular institutes, and women to be consecrated virgins. No matter God’s call, discussion within the family is what helps create the environment for trust and courage.

She has experienced the impact vocations within her family have had on her own life as well. 

“The Lord worked through any of my concerns and gave me the grace to trust in Him when faced with challenges,” she said. “The beauty has also been in being able to experience my own growth as a wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as my own spiritual growth as a result of these other vocations.”

When asked if she had advice for parents who desire to talk about vocations with their children, she emphasized that it begins with being open to the idea of their children being called to something other than marriage, and that the conversations don’t have to be complex.

Ultimately, for Marla, it comes down to living the faith. 

“Praying at home is important. Pray with each other and trust in our Lord to lead and guide you and your family.”