Each day voices from every direction bombard us so loudly with their needs that it’s nearly impossible to hear God’s voice. What specific barriers to God’s call do you encounter? How might you overcome them? Email us your thoughts to amcnulty@richmonddiocese.org.  We will post them here.

The Call

Christians often speak about “discernment,” which is a word meaning “to perceive as distinct.” In other words, we need to sort through things and identify what is true. For us, it means that we must look for God’s presence and listen for God’s voice amidst the clamor and confusion of modern life. And, just as a parent, God changes how he speaks to us as we grow.

As with all divine calls, God’s call to ordained ministry comes to us at various times in our life. His call will sound different at each stage in our life, depending on what our ears are listening for.

† Where are you in your life’s journey?
† What does God have to say at this point on that journey?

Who you are is God’s gift to you. Who you become is your gift to God.

So what exactly did God give you? Take some time to consider who you are. What’s your personality like? ... Where do your strengths lie? ... Your weaknesses? ... What are you good at? ... Where do your find satisfaction? You might wonder how these questions relate to the priesthood or to any call to religious life. Part of figuring out God’s plan for us is knowing what he’s given us to start with. It may be that he wants you to do work that is not part o the ordained priesthood. Or, you could indeed become one of his next pastors.

Check out these links for more guidance: The Keirsey Character Sorter The Career Key Survey The story of my life

Grade School • High School
College and Young Adult • Second Career