Explore Discernment

What is Discernment?

What is Discernment?

A vocation is a profound commitment to follow God's call, and it requires thoughtful effort and care to understand that calling. This careful process of discovering God's will is known as vocational discernment. Proper discernment involves several key elements: Deep...

Seven Stages of a Diligent Discernment

Seven Stages of a Diligent Discernment

Please keep in mind that every vocation is a mystery, and thus every man passes through these stages differently on the way to priesthood. Some will pass through the first few stages only to discern that God is not calling them to priesthood. Others will keep going...

Six Ways to Discern Your Vocation

Six Ways to Discern Your Vocation

How can I know God’s plan for my life? Follow these recommendations, and God will help you to understand what He is calling you to do with your life! 1. Prayer Prayer is a conversation with God—not just saying prayers, but speaking to the Lord from your heart. Every...

Scriptures for Discernment

Scriptures for Discernment

Discipleship: Call and Response As a discernment exercise, consider taking one of these Scriptures from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, to be read daily and prayerfully considered. Old Testament Gen 12:1-9 The Call of Abram: Leave your country and...

Books on Discernment

Books on Discernment

Fr. Brett A. Brannen To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood is the definitive guide for men considering the priesthood. Using powerful and entertaining stories, the book explains in down-to-earth language how to carefully...

Take the Discernment Self-Test

Grade yourself on 20 short questions. See if you might have a priestly vocation!