How do I discern a call to the priesthood?

Published: May 12, 2007

The following is an excerpt from "Seminarians 2006-2007," a booklet published by the Diocese of Little Rock Vocations Office.

Discernment is a process of prayer, consultation, decision-making and action. The Lord lives at the center of our beings, and his Spirit directly communicates to us his will. Discernment is the process whereby we become attuned to listening to God's voice speaking inside of us, and over time, seeking to do only God's will.

Discernment works for us only when we believe that God does speak within us, and then, when I trust in what he says to him and finally I desire to do only what God wants.

There are different methods to discernment, but they would all include the following elements:

Prayer: God speaks to us in the context of our prayer.

Listening: We have to spend time in quiet to be able to listen to God's voice. Sometimes God may speak to us slowly over time, while for others God may speak all at once. In any case, it takes time to grow accustomed to listening to the way God speaks.

We should also listen to people around us. Sometimes God speaks through others, and if others have noted in us a priestly vocation, we should pay attention to this and let it be a part of our discernment.

Information: We need to seek information about the diocesan priesthood. This can come from our pastor, youth director, parents or the vocation director. You can also visit the seminary. The Diocese of Little Rock Vocation Office sponsors trips to the seminary each year.

Decision making: A vocation just doesn't happen to us. We just don't fall in love. We make decisions about what we are going to do with our life. It is important to make a decision about what our discernment is telling us, and this will mean that we have to take a risk with our God.

Action: Once we have made our decision we have to take appropriate action. This is when we begin the process of applying for admission to the diocese.

Spiritual direction: It is important to have a spiritual director to help during this process of discernment. Perhaps the first person you should speak to is your pastor. He is your shepherd in your parish and he can direct you to where you need to go.

During Advent, the Vocations Office will offer a discernment retreat in Little Rock for anyone interested in diocesan priesthood. The date and details are yet to be determined. For more information, contact Msgr. Friend at (501) 664-0340 or e-mail him on the Vocations Office page at http://www.dolr.org.

Adapted from pamphlet “¿Tengo Vocaciones?” by Fernando Torre Medina Mora, Guadalajara, Mexico.

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