What is Vocational Discernment?

• What is a Vocation? 

     Vocation is a Latin word meaning "a call".  It is important to understand that God is calling all of us to a specific vocation, either we know it or not, towards the vocation of marriage, consecrated life, single devoted life, or towards the Ordained life of the priesthood. But, foremost, God call all people towards Holiness, a life where we know and love God before anything else. Therefore, every Christian is called to "belong to the people of God, to accept Jesus as Lord, to become a disciple, and to participate in his plan of salvation by giving witness and spreading the Gospel through his/her own way and life. No matter what shape it takes, its "purpose is to build up the Church and to increase the kingdom of God in the world". 
 

• What is Discernment? 

    Discernment is basically asking in a personal level to what God is calling each one of us to live out our vocation of holiness? Could it be that the Lord is calling you to marriage, holy orders, religious life, or single devoted life? These are questions that every Catholic has and describes why discernment is important. Discernment is truly seeking God’s will for our personal life; for the best life possible according to God for us.  Scripture tells us that God has a plan for us which are guided by faith, hope, and love. Therefore, in order to find that plan and to experience it, we must enter into a continual dialogue with him about our future life. it is an inexpressible dialogue between the love of God who calls and the freedom of individuals who respond to him. It is our job to pray and to listen to His voice in silence, discern His will, not to be afraid, to embrace, and embark in this life changing journey.
 

• What is Vocational Discernment? 

   In since words, it is to pray to God, in order to listen to his voice, discern His will for our life. This kind of prayer is not only a set-aside time where you speak to God, but also is complemented by a continual state of prayer where your whole life, your days, reflects your willingness to be receptive to his inspirations, along with an open mindedness to understand and contemplate His doings in your life. This along with reaching out to others competent people on the matter.
Ask God the Father to guide you to find, do His will, and not to be afraid. Contact a member of Our Vocation Team to help you in your discernment process. We would be happy to hear from you and help you.