What is Discernment?
Discernment is the process of discovery through which an individual learns how God calls him or her to love and serve him through prayer, reflection, and discussion. Below are steps to consider.
1. Prayer/Sacraments
- Spend time in prayer daily, at least 10-15 minutes and at regular times each day. Begin by praying the Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours.
- Visit your closest adoration chapel often and ask God to bring clarity to your vocation call.
- Lean on our Blessed Mother Mary, asking her for her powerful intercession. Consider consecrating yourself to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Make sure to frequent the sacraments as you conform your heart to look more like Christ’s. Everyone’s circumstances are different so adopt going to daily Mass if your schedule allows.
- Go to confession regularly (at least once a month).
2. Participate Fully in the Life of the Church
- If you are not already, register at a parish.
- Volunteer at your Parish: Servers, EMHC, Ushers, Lectors, Greeters, Youth Ministry Leader, etc.
- Help serve the community, whether serving at a homeless shelter, visiting nursing homes or helping religious organizations.
- Have family dinner with Priest to see how they interact with families.
- Contact a Priest and ask to follow along during his hospital or nursing home rounds to see what that’s like.
- If you are in college or young adult… Lead a Young Adult’s group. Check out YoungAdultMinistryInABox.com
3. Research
Use the following books and resources to help you discern God’s will in your life.
Book References
- Catholic Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthoodby Fr. Brett Brannen- all levels of discernment
- Is Jesus Calling You to Be A Catholic Priest? By Reverend Thomas J. Richter – 10 Spiritual Lessons- Beginner
- Tuning into God’s CallbyAndrew Carl Wisdom and Sister Christine Kiley- Beginner
- eBook: How to Discern God’s Will for Your Life by Bishop Robert Barron- Beginner
- God, Help Me: How to Grow in Prayer by Jim Beckman- Beginner
- True North: A Roadmap for Discernment by Joel Stepanek- Beginner
- Radical Surrender, Letters to Seminarians by Fr. Michael Najim- Intermediate
- When God Asks for an Undivided Heart by Andrew Apostoli, CFR- Intermediate/Advanced
Website References
Check out resources online that are specifically geared to helping you to find your way.
- USCCB recommendations for men as they discern – Learn More
- List of resources such as books and videos – Learn More
- Listen to a series of discernment podcasts given by Fr. Brett Brannen – Listen Here
4. Speak to Your Pastor or Trusted Priest
Share with your pastor that you are discerning. Being your shepherd, he wants to know and support you as part of his flock. He may have vital advice and wants to pray for you as you discern more fully. You need a supportive ear from someone who has discerned their vocation in a real way.
5. Find a Spiritual Director
Speak with your priest about finding a suitable spiritual director who can guide you through this process more deeply. Go to www.spiritualdirection.com for blogs, podcasts, videos, and articles about finding, selecting, and initiating a spiritual direction relationship. You will also find a collection of articles about the process and expectations.
6. Contact the Vocation Director
Contact Fr. Will Schmid, Director of Vocations, as soon as you are considering a priestly vocation. He can assist you with resources and discernment opportunities, including discernment groups and retreats. He wants to help you along this journey to being what God wants you to be. He will walk you through every step of the discernment and application process.
Thank you for taking the time to discern and discover your vocation.
God only wants your ultimate happiness, so make sure to take the time to
find out which vocation will bring you that kind of joy and fulfillment.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Mother’s powerful intercession,
you will receive the grace needed to continue this journey.
Please know of the many prayers offered for men considering or discerning a call to the priesthood. May your heart be opened to clearly hear God’s call and may you have the faith and courage to answer it.