Am I Being Called

Becoming a Sister - Am I Being Called?

As much as we'd like to log on to www.GodwhatshouldIdo.com and get an immediate reply, that isn't how God operates in our lives. For most people God's call is revealed in the ordinary, everyday "stuff" of our lives. God uses human voices and the experiences of our lives to let us know the way of life that is the "best fit."

Discovering a call to a particular life commitment takes time. It requires honesty with ourselves about our gifts and talents, inclinations and deepest desires. The more we get to know ourselves, the better we are at detecting God's movement within our hearts. Here are a few questions that might be helpful:

When do I feel most alive?
What are my strengths?
Do I relate well to others, young and old?
Do I have leadership abilities?
Do I enjoy learning?
How can I best be a loving person?
How can I best use my gifts to serve God and other people?

It is also important to listen to God, to take time to be quiet. Reflecting on the everyday experiences of our lives gives us clues about where God is leading. Prayer brings clarity to our choices and helps us take action to live them out. Prayer also helps us trust that God is with us in our choosing, that God wants us to be happy, and that God will not let us down!

Just what is DISCERNMENT anyway?
Discernment comes from a Latin word (discernere) which means, "to separate," "to distinguish," "to sort out." We make choices all the time, but usually don't think about how we make a decision for one choice instead of another.

TIPS FOR DISCERNING WHETHER RELIGIOUS LIFE IS FOR YOU?
LEARN: Take time to look for the information that will tell you more about the options available to you. Be willing to explore these options.

TALK: Find a good mentor, a spiritual companion, an adult whom you trust about your future. Talk with good friends about future options and choices so you can encourage and support each other.

SERVE: Look for opportunities to be involved in ongoing service or outreach to others.

CONNECT: Find ways to spend time with Sisters. Ask them to share their vocation stories. Take advantage of retreat opportunities or "Come & See" experiences.

PRAY: Make a habit of taking a few minutes each day to ask how God was present. Worship with a parish community on a regular basis and find ways to share your gifts.