CHAPTER 9
DISCERNING ONE’S VOCATION
THEO 500 – CHRISTIAN VOCATION & FULFILLMENT
PROF. ANTONIO C. CAYETANO. MARE, J.D.
Faculty, Theology/Philosophy Division
Arts and Sciences Department
San Pedro College, Davao City
WHAT IS
DISCERNMENT?
• If we break down the word discernment into
the two Latin words it comes from, we get
‘dis’ (apart) and ‘cenere’ (to separate).
• To discern means ‘to separate apart’.
• Any time we have to choose between two or
more options, we discern.
• If both options are attractive, the best choice
might not be obvious.
VOCATION DISCERNMENT
•
is a process by which we are helped to reach
a decision:
‒
‒
in the light of faith
in the context of our personal reality and
the realities of the world in which we live.
• involves in:
‒
trying to identify
 what is of God
 what is for our full happiness and for
others
‒
distinguishing or separating that
 from what is not of God or
 from what is simply driven by my ego,
societal expectations, family or peer
pressure.
WHAT IS
VOCATION
DISCERNMENT?
SIX WAYS TO DISCERN MY VOCATION
02 - SACRAMENTS
•
The soul is the window through which we
can see God and hear His voice.
•
If the window is dirty because of sin, it
must be cleaned through Confession so
we can be in union with God.
•
When you receive Communion, ask Jesus
to show you your vocation.
01 - PRAYER
•
Prayer is a conversation with God – not
just saying prayers, but speaking to the
Lord from your heart.
•
Ask him to reveal his plan for you: "Jesus,
I want to want what you want.
•
Here I am Lord; I come to do your will."
Trust that God has a plan for you.
06 – THE BLESSED MOTHER
04 – GO ON RETREAT
•
Miracles happen on retreats!
•
One of the surest ways to
discover God's plan for you is to
enter into silence and prayer
over an extended period.
03 – GOOD INFORMATION
•
Mary is necessary. She is the ultimate
example of openness to the will of God.
•
Are you open to God's will for you? Pray
three Hail Mary’s every day, specifically to
know your vocation and have the
courage to follow it.
05 – GET ADVICE
•
It is impossible to discover your vocation
without good information.
•
Don't try to discern your vocation
alone, without the help of the Church.
•
What does it mean to have a holy
Christian marriage? What do priests do?
What is it like to be a religious sister or
brother?
•
Talk to a sister, brother, priest, or
deacon you trust.
•
Get a Spiritual Director
•
Search for good information online,
then take what you have learned back
to prayer.