What Is Discernment?

The question is not really, “Do I want to be a Deacon?” Rather it is: “What does God want me to be? How am I responding to god’s personal call?” Through our Baptism, God calls each of us to be active in our faith journeys. A vocation (from the Latin word vocare-which means “to call) is an invitation from God to a particular and specific ministerial lifestyle.

This question is what discernment is all about. As you consider applying to the Deacon Formation Program, consider that Christian discernment implies a life of faith and a sense of one’s relationship with God. Discernment requires a heart ready to listen and respond in prayer and reflection. Discernment also requires an open mind and heart prepared to learn about the diaconate and to decide what choice in your life will bring the greatest joy to God, the world and yourself.

If you are being called to a vocation as a deacon, look for these signs of the calling within you and in the world around you:

-You have a lively and personal love for Jesus Christ and the Church, the People of God;

-You have a preferential option to help those in society who are poor, underrepresented or discriminated against;

– Intellectually, you thirst to grow, learn and understand more about your faith

– You make a difference in the lives of people around you through the witness of your life

Discernment is a process of prayer and reflection under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a sifting through or sorting out – and discovering God’s will for you. A second movement in discernment is recognition of and confirmation of the call. If you discern a call to ordained ministry in the diaconate, the Church journeys with you to reflect, pray and test your call. If the Church confirms that your call seems to come from the Lord, you are invited on a journey that may lead to a new way of life for you and your family.