On Vocation Discernment
Practical things to do
I am closing this series of reflections with you, my dear brothers and sisters, by placing here a few practical things to do on your journey of vocation discernment. The idea behind is to develop a close relationship with God. God’s presence in your life is the surest way to develop certainty in what you believe your call is.
“Among those totally dedicated to the service of the Gospel, are priests, called to preach the word of God, administer the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, committed to helping the lowly, the sick, the suffering, the poor, and those who experience hardship in areas of the world where there are, at times, many who still have not had a real encounter with Jesus Christ.”
- Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the 45th World Day of prayer for Vocations
Practical Suggestions
• Daily Mass. The sacrifice of the Mass is the Church's greatest prayer of praise. At Mass we are fed and nourished by God's work and the Body and Blood of Christ. A young man discerning a vocation to the priesthood is encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is also very beneficial to a young man discerning a vocation. This is a powerful way to grow in love for the Eucharistic Lord and to grow in the spiritual life.
• Daily Prayer is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quiet place at a specific time each day. This prayer time can consist of talking to the Lord in one's own words or praying with the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Developing the daily habit and pattern of prayer will help the young man to hear more clearly the call of the Lord.
• Spiritual direction is also very important when discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Speaking with a priest about one's prayer life and seeking his advice on a regular basis is very helpful as one discerns a vocation to the priesthood.
• Discernment programs: like a weekend retreat with the Vocation Office, vocation evenings of recollection, or by joining a discussion group of other young men discerning a vocation are invaluable in helping one to come to greater clarity of God's call to the priesthood.
• Get involved in some form of service with the Church. For example; outreach to the poor, teaching religious education, taking Holy Communion to the sick, working with the youth of the parish, etc. are ways to give one a taste of "ministry" and can also increase one's desire for ministry and service.
• Devotion to the Blessed Mother. Praying the rosary daily and seeking the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is recommended when a young man is discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The Blessed Mother had to respond to her vocation. She is most helpful in helping others obtain the grace to do the same.
• Talk to a Vocation Director. To obtain further information about seminary and priestly life. The Vocation Director can also help one's discernment through regular meetings so as to discern with the young man the authenticity of his call.
I am closing this series of reflections with you, my dear brothers and sisters, by placing here a few practical things to do on your journey of vocation discernment. The idea behind is to develop a close relationship with God. God’s presence in your life is the surest way to develop certainty in what you believe your call is.
“Among those totally dedicated to the service of the Gospel, are priests, called to preach the word of God, administer the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, committed to helping the lowly, the sick, the suffering, the poor, and those who experience hardship in areas of the world where there are, at times, many who still have not had a real encounter with Jesus Christ.”
- Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the 45th World Day of prayer for Vocations
Practical Suggestions
• Daily Mass. The sacrifice of the Mass is the Church's greatest prayer of praise. At Mass we are fed and nourished by God's work and the Body and Blood of Christ. A young man discerning a vocation to the priesthood is encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is also very beneficial to a young man discerning a vocation. This is a powerful way to grow in love for the Eucharistic Lord and to grow in the spiritual life.
• Daily Prayer is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quiet place at a specific time each day. This prayer time can consist of talking to the Lord in one's own words or praying with the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Developing the daily habit and pattern of prayer will help the young man to hear more clearly the call of the Lord.
• Spiritual direction is also very important when discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Speaking with a priest about one's prayer life and seeking his advice on a regular basis is very helpful as one discerns a vocation to the priesthood.
• Discernment programs: like a weekend retreat with the Vocation Office, vocation evenings of recollection, or by joining a discussion group of other young men discerning a vocation are invaluable in helping one to come to greater clarity of God's call to the priesthood.
• Get involved in some form of service with the Church. For example; outreach to the poor, teaching religious education, taking Holy Communion to the sick, working with the youth of the parish, etc. are ways to give one a taste of "ministry" and can also increase one's desire for ministry and service.
• Devotion to the Blessed Mother. Praying the rosary daily and seeking the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is recommended when a young man is discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The Blessed Mother had to respond to her vocation. She is most helpful in helping others obtain the grace to do the same.
• Talk to a Vocation Director. To obtain further information about seminary and priestly life. The Vocation Director can also help one's discernment through regular meetings so as to discern with the young man the authenticity of his call.
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