Pray
You might see a common theme woven throughout the discernment process, and that is prayer. The reason is simple, it is God who calls us to our specific vocation in life and it is God who will help you to truly understand where He is calling you at the moment. In fact in Mt 7:21-27, Jesus says He does not know those who have worked in His name, and the reason is because in order to know someone we must spend time with them, get to know them as a close friend. Our prayer gives us that opportunity to do so.
Spiritual Director
One of the frustrating things about discerning a vocation is not having anyone who really understands or can relate to your individual struggles, questions and concerns. That is why it is recommended that you find, during the course of your discernment, a spiritual director, one who can help you to discover what God wants in your life and where He is trying to lead you.
Live Holiness
If you genuinely feel as though God is calling you to be a priest or religious then you also need to start examining the places you go, the people you hang out with, and the things you do in your free time, because, they will have an affect on your vocation. That is why the first thing you should make an effort to do is, if possible, attend daily Mass as well as Sunday Mass. Also, as you draw closer and clearer in your vocation, you might become aware of those obstacles that might prevent you from living a truly holy life, and so the regular practice of going to confession should also be key. Further, something we might not always be aware of is that if you make the step to become associated with the diocese or a religious community, you become a public figure, as it were, and your actions reflect not just yourself, but the diocese, community and even who you are as a Christian, especially online. Therefore, you should daily make the effort, as we all do, to live what you believe and to always be ready to make an account of the faith that is within you.
Learn More About Vocations
There are countless books and websites available for you to understand more clearly what a vocation is and the type of vocation you may be called to live. Some of the great classics are the following:
Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis De Montfort
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales
The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lesieux
Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay
Pope Benedict's Messages for World Day of Vocations
Message of Pope John Paul II for the 1st World Day of Consecrated Life
These are some other recommendations by our seminarians and priests:
Priests of the Third Millenium by Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Parish Priest by Douglas Brinkley and Julie Fenster
When God Asks for an Undivided Heart by Andrew Apostoli, CFR
St. George and the Dragon and the Quest for the Holy Grail by Edward Hays
Call The Vocation Office
When all is said and done, you might just make that final step and give us a call. Don't worry, we won't sign you up immediately, rather, if you give us a call, we will schedule an appointment and then we will see where God wants to take it from there.
Should I or Shouldn't I?
That is the question, however, the problem is that sometimes we get caught up in that question and never go anywhere. If God is genuinely calling you, visit a seminary, visit a community, go to Quo Vadis, meet the bishop at pizza nights, in other words, truly seek out where God wants to lead you.
