Vocation Discernment

Discerning a vocation takes time. God doesn’t usually reveal His plan to us in a single moment of prayer or life experience. He typically speaks to us in the quiet of our hearts and through the people around us over the course of time.

Staying close to the Lord in the Eucharist and Confession, and maintaining a regular prayer life are necessities in discerning a vocation. Men who are in discernment go to Confession regularly and usually have at least one other day in the week other than Sunday when they attend Mass.  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary and the Divine Office are also important practices that avails the man to a deepening knowledge and love of God. To help clarify the call to the priesthood, having a volunteer ministry in the Church is also very important. This can be in the liturgy as a Lector or Altar Server or in the pastoral work of the Church such as RCIA, Catechism, Bible Study and Outreach to the Poor.

Through prayer and ministry, men often experience an increasing sense of interest and openness to the priesthood and religious life. These are signs that God is inviting them to go deeper and learn more about the consecrated life and priesthood. Discerning a vocation requires the decision to take a next step with God.

As is so often the case, learning usually leads to more questions. We encourage men at any stage in their vocation discernment to learn more about the Dominicans by visiting our websites and contacting our Vocation Director. His ministry is to help you figure out where God is calling you. The Vocation Director can assist you in a number of ways:

1. Provide you with books, articles and other information about the Dominicans.
2. Help you with your discernment through your contacts with him
3. Arrange for you to visit one of our communities
4. Invite you to attend a Vocation Weekend at our St. Albert’s Priory
5. Set up a personal visit with you