Discernment

Discernment is an art and it is learned by doing, not just by reading about it. It is a function of an individual’s personal relationship with the Lord. When we desire to do God’s will, are willing to be open to God and have a solid knowledge of God, then discernment is possible. Therefore, prayer is an essential component to the process of discernment. To be a truly discerning person, we need to be humble, charitable and courageous. As we become more familiar with the Lord in prayer, we will come to know that the “still small voice” speaks in peace, never in turmoil, anxiety or restlessness.

Some practical suggestions which will help you discern God’s call are:

• Daily Mass

  To discern God’s call, you are encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that you can grow in your relationship with the Lord through frequent reception of the Blessed Sacrament.

• Sacrament of Penace

  The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is the way in which one attempts to live a more holy life, through the frequent confession of sins and reception of the merciful grace of God. Regular use of this sacrament will guide you to a deeper understanding of where your greatest struggles are in life and will provide you with God’s grace to gain mastery over those weaknesses. Perhaps begin by receiving the sacrament monthly. Many of the holiest people of our time went to weekly confession, including Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

  The body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ are substantially present in Holy Eucharist. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful way to grow in love with the Eucharistic Lord and to grow in the spiritual life. Many churches now have regular times each week when the Holy Eucharist is exposed in a monstrance, but even if you cannot find or attend exposition, you can still pray before the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is kept. Bring a rosary, a favored book of prayers and/or a book about Adoration, such as one of the books in the Praying in the Presence of Our Lord series by Fr. Benedict Groeschel (available at any Catholic bookstore).

• Daily Prayer

  This is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quiet place at a specific time each day. This prayer time might consist of talking to the Lord in one’s own words, or praying the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Developing a daily habit and pattern of prayer will help one to hear more clearly the call of the Lord. Consider praying Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer from the “Divine Office,” which is a set of prayers said each day by priests and religious across the world. 

• Devotion to the Blessed Mother

  Pray the rosary daily, or at least a decade of the Rosary to begin. Seeking the powerful intercession of the Blessed Mother is especially recommended in the discernment process.

• Spiritual Direction

  Speaking with a priest or qualified individual trained in spiritual direction about one’s prayer life and seeking advice from this person on a regular basis can be very helpful as one discerns their vocation. Be very selective in whom you approach for spiritual direction. Pray fervently to the Holy Spirit to guide you to the best director possible and find out as much as you can about the spiritual maturity of potential directors. Seek someone who is deeply prayerful, loves the Church, loves his or her own vocation and has a mature understanding of the struggles involved in moving closer to God.

• Discernment Programs

  Attend discernment retreats at seminaries or other discernment events, such as our summer 'Quo Vadis?' Camp, hosted by the vocations office. Visit seminaries and meet the priests and other seminarians. These are valuable activities that will give greater clarity to God’s call. Talk to fellow men discerning the call.

• Vocation Director

  In order to obtain further information about seminary and priestly life, contact the Vocation Director, the Rev. Kristopher Fuchs. Regular meetings/discussions with the director may also help you uncover God’s will for your life.