Daily Mass
The heart of a priest’s life is the celebration of the Eucharist. By participating in Mass daily, we receive the essential grace needed to discern our calling.
Eucharistic Adoration
Spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament provides an ideal atmosphere for listening to His voice.
Regular Confession
Embracing Jesus’ mercy through regular confession allows us to better align with His will. Staying in a state of grace enables us to hear His call more clearly.
Devotion to the Blessed Mother
Mary, the Mother of all priests, guides us in carrying out Jesus’ commands.
Lectio Divina
This prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture, often involving repeated readings of the same passage, allows God to speak through His Word. For those discerning priesthood, immersing oneself in the Gospels is highly recommended.
Silence
Embracing silence permits the “still small voice of God” to penetrate our hearts, as mentioned in 1 Kings 19:12.
Journaling – Review of Spiritual Experiences
Maintaining a prayer journal where we document our spiritual experiences can be extremely enlightening. It helps us identify discernment patterns over time, revealing where God consistently leads us.
Service in Your Parish and Community
The life of a priest revolves around tireless service. Active involvement in your parish and engagement in community service, particularly with the less fortunate, can indicate if priesthood will bring you fulfillment.
Spiritual Direction
Discernment is most effective within a supportive community. Seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor who helps you listen to God’s voice is essential.
Consult Your Pastor and Vocation Director
Initiate a conversation with your local pastor about your discernment journey toward priesthood. Seek resources and advice from him, and ask for an introduction to the Vocation Director. The Vocation Director will guide you through the appropriate channels for discernment.