Discerning Your Call

Discernment is a prayerful way to find out

God's will so you can make a deliberate and prayerful decision.

When you deliberately go about discerning your vocation, things will line up and your choices will become clearer.

Simple steps you can follow

• Pray - God knows you! God knows the number of hairs on your head. God knows you as a loving and caring person. Ask God to let you know your vocation, your call in life.
• Listen - Listen to what God says in the quiet of your heart. To do this you need to take time to step out of the noisy world and be alone in silence. God does not shout but speaks quietly in your deepest thoughts. In silence try to be alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within you. Pray for wisdom and for openness. PRAY THIS VERY MOMENT.
• Read the Scriptures - Let the light of Christ enlighten you through Scripture. Read especially the Gospels and the Psalms, and listen to the words as a personal message to you from God. Silence yourself, become calm before beginning to read and let the words sink into your heart.
• Become Rooted in Faith - Become deeply rooted in faith. Learn more about your faith through reading, courses, and lectures. Celebrate the Eucharist more than once a week.
• Participate in Retreats and Parish Activities - Get involved. Attend parish retreats, retreats sponsored by religious communities, "Come and See weekends," become a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Youth Ministry, take part in Parish Service Projects, etc.

Don't let the characteristics of our culture embrace you and keep you from being free. Money, possessions, sex, fame, and power do not necessarily make you happy. Neither are they essential to life. Take time to evaluate your lifestyle.

Talk to Others

Talk to people in different states of life, especially older people who are wise, experienced, and still bring forth life. Ask individuals what it's like being married, single, ordained, or a religious. Ask about the blessings and the challenges of each lifestyle.

Pros and Cons

Sort out your discerned thoughts by listing the pros and cons of each choice. Then evaluate them.

Get to Know Yourself

Know your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, desires, and needs. Be honest and admit your gifts.

Recall your Experiences of God

What do they say to you? What are you passionate about? What and where would you like to give all your energy? What gives your life real meaning? What gives Spiritual meaning to your life?

Use Your Imagination

Take time to imagine yourself in different lifestyles. Live each vocation in your mind. Is it a good fit? Does it give new meaning and purpose in your life? Which lifestyle (vocation) are you more comfortable in role playing?

Now envision how each choice would affect your life five years from now, ten years, twenty-five years from now.