practical suggestions for discernment

To come to a clearer understanding of the signs God may be placing in your life, a program of prayer is of great value. This consists of the following:

• Daily mental prayer (in silence) in the morning and in the evening.
• Frequent participation at Mass and receiving Holy Communion in addition to Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Regular confession in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Monthly direction from a spiritual director.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Daily spiritual reading to nourish faith and inspire you to live a life committed to Christ.
• Developing a relationship with Our Lady the Mother of God and entrusting your vocation to her maternal care.
• Reading relevant materials.

Discernment is an art and it is learned by doing, not just by reading about it. One of the most serious misunderstandings about any call to religious vocations is that it is merely one's personal decision. It is a function of an individual’s personal relationship with the Lord. When we desire to do God’s will, we are willing to be open and have a solid knowledge of God, then discernment is possible. Therefore, prayer is an essential component to the process of discernment. To be a truly discerning person, we need to be humble, charitable and courageous. As we become more familiar with the Lord in prayer, we will come to know that still little voice speaks in peace, never in anxiety or restlessness.
Get involved in some form of service with the Church. There are many ways to get involved in the Church, for example, helping with Parish programs, becoming an extraordinary minister in the liturgy of the Eucharist, joining a youth group or bible study, outreaching to the poor and visiting the sick or elderly. These are all ways to get a taste of ministry and they may increase your desire to follow our Lord.

; Vocations Director
700 North Virgen de San Juan Blvd.• San Juan, TX 78589• Phone 956-784-5013•Fax 956 784-5081

last updated 09-Jun-2010 10:44 sitemap