Typically when we hear a question like this we assume we are being asked to join the convent or seminary. We don't normally consider that question to be about our vocation to work or family life; But our Church's understanding of the word vocation encompasses more than just religious life. In fact, every single person has a vocation-whether or not it is a religious vocation is just one possibility. Here’s the official definition of the word:
Through the sacramental life of the Church we hear how this call happens more succinctly:
The Process of Discernment:
While there’s no standard roadmap for this discernment process, there are a couple of resources you can utilize. There are two we recommend which are useful and provide some practical steps to follow.
The first, the Ignatian Method, is the tried and true Jesuit approach that is practiced by thousands all over the world.
The second, is a six-step guide from the Archdiocese of Chicago that lays out some simple steps for general discernment.
Here's a quick glimpse at each of these methods:
An Ignatian Framework for Making a Decision
For More on the Ignatian Approach to Making Good Decisions Click Here
Archdiocese of Chicago Steps for Discernment:
For the Full Guide on Discernment from the Archdiocese of Chicago Click Here
Additional Resources for Discernment:
Some Discernment Stories for Inspiration:
Just in case you are still struggling or wondering how you can use discernment in practical applications, here are a few real-life examples:
Roberto Martinez came back to the faith after a long absence throughout his adolescence. He attended the Fall Retreat at his Newman Center and was touched during the time of Adoration and felt compelled to go to confession. Afterward he felt a real closeness to God and sensed that God wanted him to know he was loved deeply. The experience made such a difference that he started attending daily mass and within months became an active leader in his community. As he neared graduation, he joined a men’s discernment group and together the group began to grow in understanding of the concept of vocation – a call from God. Roberto, now married stated - I learned how to pray, and the importance of living the sacramental life of the church, especially confession and the mass. It was through these experiences that I grew in prayer and confidence that I could “hear” God’s will for me. I felt in my heart a deep desire for marriage. And I grew more and more confidently over time that God affirmed this desire and that it was truly my vocation.
Theresa Miller is a convert and became Catholic in what she confesses was, “my search for meaning and where to find it.” Her conversion didn’t include any unique highs, but as she learned more and more about the truth of the Catholic Church she states, “God opened my eyes and gave me a deep appreciation of His presence in the Church – I found my search for meaning and where I would come to thrive.” Regarding her vocation, Theresa felt she had no inclination toward marriage or the religious life. She wanted to be open to both and felt some excitement about a discernment process that would help her come to know God’s will for her life. Her discernment formula was simple. Pray daily, attend mass as frequently as possible, pray a Novena to St. Joseph, make a list of pros and cons, speak with a spiritual mentor during the process, and define a time frame to come to a decision. During that time Theresa made a point not to date and made several decisions to diminish the “noise” of the world, especially in social media. Her process lasted eight months. She visited a convent during that time and when she left, she found herself longing for what she encountered and the unique charism of the women of the religious order. That longing didn’t go away and within a matter of time it consumed her. Today, she is one of those sisters!