Discernment Corner

Sacramental Life

If you are taking a path in discerning a vocation to religious life, you can come to know the will of God for you more easily by spending quality time in prayer and attending daily mass often. Mass in a quiet chapel allows us to pause from our busy activities and to have the sacramental intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist which is needed to hear what God is trying to say to us, it is one of the most important parts of the discernment process. As consecrated persons, women and men religious throughout the Church can attest that it was there that He clarified, enlightened, strengthened, and confirmed the plans He had for them.

Faithful Companion in Discernment: The Blessed Mother

There is no other than our dear Blessed Mother Mary who gives us the perfect model of docility to the will of God at the Annunciation in her fiat (“let it be done”). She can teach us how to be trusting, open and generous with God. Commit oneself to pray The Holy Rosary, the recitation of the Angelus, and even the Novena to our Lady of Perpetual Help are all ways of inviting her to be our mother, our model, and our intercessor.

Reading the Holy Scripture & Spiritual Books

The Holy Scripture (Bible) has a unique instrument over any other book because reading the Gospels offers an important encounter with Christ for any Christian, the letters of St. Paul will help us to be the follower of Christ more intimately through his suffering, joy, and hopes, and The Psalm is consoling words from the psalmist who encourages us in times in need, especially one in discernment. Other spiritual books can also help to answer questions, instruct, or inspire. These can include reflections about Christ (His Passion, His Incarnation, etc.), classic advice and guidance for the life of prayer, writings of the saints, or even the lives of saints. Make a little time in the day to commit to quiet reading.

Church Documents about Consecrated Life

Read about consecrated life in important Church documents:

Encyclical of Pope Pius XII, Sacra Virginitas (1954) Decree of the Second Vatican Council, Perfectae Caritatis (1965) Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, Redemptionis Donum (1984) Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, Vita Consecrata (1996)

Plan a Visit

It will be a great help, visiting sisters to see their lives can be a helpful step in discernment. Staying and observing a community’s charism and spirituality is most manifest in the liturgy, apostolate, and fraternal charity between sisters. Hence, follow the desire of your heart, do not hesitate to contact, or approach any religious sister whom you feel at home, and tell them about your desire for a “Come and see” program. We as religious always welcome you to be part of us.

Contact the vocations director nearest to you and plan a visit.