Discernment Tips

Daily Mass – “In the first place, the Eucharist "contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth, that is, Christ himself, our Passover and living bread, who, through his very flesh, made vital and vitalizing by the Holy Spirit, offers life" to the human family. This is the heart of the Church's life, and also of the consecrated life” (Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II). By attending daily Mass, people expose themselves to the magnitude of God’s love for us, the Eucharist. In receiving daily Eucharist, the relationship with Christ increases. Daily Eucharist helps the person’s discernment towards Religious Life. Also, Religious Life centers its daily life on the Eucharist. 

Prayer – Set time aside for prayer. Spend 10-20 minutes of prayer. If you struggle with this amount of time, start with 5 minutes, and gradually increase to 20 minutes. Prayer is essential in discerning Religious Life.

Open Your Heart! – The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully” (CCC, 2563). In other words, the heart is a deep location within the person, where we encounter Jesus Christ. When a person says, “Open your heart to the Lord!” We look within our deepest desires, and dialogue with the Lord about these intimate thoughts. Speak to the Lord about your attraction to Religious Life. Ask yourselve, “What is the deepest desire of my heart?”

Be Yourself – The Lord desires to meet you where you are at. He desires to call you as you are. Explore the question: "Who am I?"

Come and See – Religious Communities allow people, who are discerning religious life, to visit their community. During a “Come and See,” the individual participates in the daily life of the particular community. Search online for different communities hosting a “Come and See” with their communities.

Visitations – Inquire with different communities about visiting their convent, monastery, or religious home. Some Religious Orders allow candidates to visit their community. Religious Orders differ on how they deal with visitors; therefore, it is prudent to call the community and ask for permission.

Frequent Confession – Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V. compares frequent confession to unclogging things in your life. She says, “You can actually feel the strength that comes from that sacrament not to commit that sin again.” Find a priest who helps you in the sacrament of Penance.