Rooted in the baptismal vocation and given shape by the commitments made in one's state in life vocation, one's personal avocations are concrete expressions of the unique plan of God for each human person. While the Baptismal and State in Life vocations are more about being, the personal avocations are more about doing. From all contemplation, from all "being," the fruit of action is born. One's personal avocations include one's choice of occupation, as well as the choices one makes daily among the many opportunities to make a real contribution to a better world.

Personal avocations are depicted as the fruit and leaves of the Vocation Tree. A particular avocation might flower from any of the states in life. For example, a medical worker may be ordained, consecrated or a member of the laity. And although the work itself, carried out competently, might look the same, it will be flavored by the distinctive mission flowing from the individual's state in life commitment.

Some personal avocations are the fruit of a particular state in life, but most are available to all. For example, holding a political office or acting as a lay ecclesial minister are particular avocations of the laity.