Prayer in action, lived examples key to vocations

Those who play an integral part in vocations say a real relationship with Jesus is necessary for discernment, and that starts with prayer.

“Having a real prayer life, not just verbal prayers, but relational prayers – knowing Jesus cares and loves [you] – and being aware of the interior life builds a culture of discernment,” says Sister Ann Kateri, CFR.

“We learn to listen to Jesus using Scripture, Daily Examen and Lectio Divina,” she says. “We must have a discernment of spirit not only so we can identify the Lord speaking to us, but also how to recognize the enemy speaking to us.”

Father Adam Cichoski, director of vocations for the Diocese of Camden, says discerning a vocation – whether it be a priest, deacon, clergy, or single or married person – is figuring out where God is calling.

“God calls us to different vocations. Where do we encounter peace, a sense of everything is good?” he says.

Sister Ann said it’s common for people, especially young adults, to ask where God is in their lives. “Not just what the world wants us to be, but what God wants us to be. It’s something we do day-to-day, trying to discern what God’s plan is for us.”

Deacon Charles Schiapelli, assistant director of Diaconate Formation for the Diocese, said God’s call could be happening right in front of you – literally.

During Mass, sitting in the pews watching the priest or deacon, “maybe you ask yourself the question, ‘Could I ever do that?” he says. “When you ask yourself that question, that’s God speaking to you. It’s God saying, ‘You can do this because I’ll give you whatever you need to do it, if you answer my call.’”

In addition, “it [discernment] can be an experience with your family, something they’ve done. Maybe it’s their humility; maybe it’s their love of others that is God speaking to you through them. Discernment can take a variety of different forms. It’s all individual.”

“For me, discernment to convert to Catholicism was a … sense of peace and comfort that I never felt before,” he adds.

Discernment, Father Cichoski stresses, is not just prayer but action. That action continues through religious formation, and when it comes to the priesthood, that includes the seminary.

“Hopefully the men are discerning with their spiritual directors and counselors,” Father Cichoski says. “This way, if they are honestly discerning, they should have a clear path in front of them. Discernment happens between the man and God, as well as the seminary and vocation office.”

Ultimately, when discerning a path in life, most people are looking for happiness.

“We all have it in our hearts,” Father Cichoski says.