Discernment Resources for Men

What is discernment?

How does one understand the concept of discernment? Etymologically, discernment means to "separate apart" so we might distinguish something in order for it to be perceived clearly. It is the way in which we identify God's will within the context in which we live. Most of us do know God's will because it has been revealed through the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. However, there are times when God's will is not so clear and we realize that we need to search for what God is asking of us.

Discernment is an art and it is learned by doing, not just reading about it. It is a function of an individual's personal relationship with the Lord. When we desire to do God's will, are willing to be open to God 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 the "small still voices" speak in peace - never in turmoil, anxiety or restlessness.

Some practical suggestions which will help a young man discern a call to priesthood are:

1) Daily Mass - one who is discerning a call to priesthood is encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord.

2) Sacrament of Penance - The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is the way in which a man attempts to live a holy life - through the frequent confession of sins and by the grace of God.

3) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - this is a powerful way to grow in love with the Eucharistic Lord and to grow in the spiritual life.

4) Daily Prayer - this is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quiet place at a specific time each day. This prayer time might consist of talking to the Lord in one's own words or praying the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Developing a daily habit and pattern of prayer will help the young man to hear more clearly the call of the Lord.

5) Spiritual Direction - speaking with a priest or qualified individual trained in direction about one's prayer life and seeking advice from this person on a regular basis is very helpful as one discerns a vocation to the priesthood.

6) Discernment programs - attending a weekend retreat at a seminary, vocation evenings or joining a discussion group of other young men discerning a vocation are invaluable in helping one to come to greater clarity about God's call to priesthood.

7) Devotion to the Blessed Mother - praying the rosary daily and seeking the powerful intercession of the Blessed Mother is especially recommended in the discernment process.

8) Get involved - in some form of service with the Church. For example, outreach to the poor, teaching religious education, lecturing at Mass, taking Holy Communion to the sick, working with the young of a parish, etc. are ways to give one a taste of "ministry" and may also increase one's desire for ministry and service.

9) Talk to a Vocation Director - in order to obtain further information about seminary and priestly life. The vocation director may also help through regular meetings so as to help in discerning with the young man the authenticity of the call.

 

Everyone has a vocation! Everyone is called to holiness!

By virtue of Baptism, each and every Christian has a call to holiness through a life in Christ. All too often, people, for whatever reason, remain unaware of the gifts and talents that might lead them to consider a call to priesthood or consecrated life.

Now that you are here and no one is watching or listening, read these statements to yourself, take them to prayer, then act on what you know is right.  God knows, you may be called to the priesthood!

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is important to me.
• People have told me I would make a good priest.
• I have studied vocation materials but not told anyone.
• Going to Mass and Adoration is a very important part of my faith life.
• The thought of becoming a priest keeps coming back over and over again.
• I’m afraid to tell my friends and family that I’ve been thinking about the priesthood.
• I feel called to give more of myself to others.
• After hearing the readings at Mass I think about how I would preach.
• I have a burning desire to help people get closer to Christ and to know the Truth.
• I have a strong sense that what I have planned for the future is not what God has planned for me.

If some of these statements reflect how you feel, if your heart is pounding even harder, if you sense a greater desire to find out if God is calling you to live in black and white, get in touch with Fr. Jason Kern. Have no fear, the Lord wants only what is best for you and so do we.

 

Visit Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary

Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, operated by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, is where the seminarians for the diocese live and study while attending classes at St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

Flowing from its responsibility to build God's Kingdom on Earth, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary nurtures and develops a man's calling from God to the ministerial priesthood. IHMS strengthens and deepens the seminarian's personal commitment to Jesus Christ with the highest quality programs of spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human formation. While supporting and encouraging the development of each man's natural gifts, IHMS strives to help the men discern and answer God's call with hearts on fire!