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There
are Five Movements Possible in the Process of Discernment
1.
When discerning a vocation there is often a confusion of
options. Many things
interest us.
Suggestion: seek out your
dominant interest and pursue it.
2.
The decision-making process is a complicated matter. There are many “layers” of decisions that must be looked
at. At the same time
there are clues, “signs” that are present to us.
Suggestion:
follow the leads that are present.
3.
There is uncertainty in the discernment process. At any one point in time we only see partial glimpses, not
the whole picture.
Suggestion: trust what is
deepest in your heart.
4.
The discernment of your decision will always meet a certain
amount of inner resistance. Resistance
is a good sign. There
is usually mixed feelings when a person must has sufficient love in
his heart to take a significant risk.
Suggestion:
reflect on what is the source of love in your heart; where is
it leading you, and how deeply is it present?
5.
When discerning your vocation the road ahead will always
remain a bit foggy. You
probably will not know with absolute certainty what lies ahead.
The future will always remain a bit hidden.
Mystery and the unknown are part of everyone’s future.
Suggestion:
take one step at a time.
Don’t try to “figure out” in exact detail your entire
future.
As
you moves through the discernment process “try
out” priesthood firsthand.
Take a concrete step and then reflect on what it “felt
like.” Did you
enjoy it? Did it feel “natural?”
Did you get the sense it was meaningful?
Does it make you want to explore further?
Here are several examples of concrete steps you may choose as
you consider the possibility of priesthood:
-
attend
a “Live-In / Vocation Retreat” at the seminary
-
become
active in your parish as a Server, Lector, Eucharistic Minister,
Cantor or in the Choir, Youth Group, RCIA or another liturgical
or parish ministry
Reflect
on your experiences, and listen closely to how your heart responds.
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