Called and Caffeinated Beat Discernment Overwhelm! Which Religious Communities Should I Visit?
Jul 28, 2021
16:35
Never be overwhelmed by discerning religious life again! In this Q&A episode, follow this simple method to narrow down your search from the entire universe to the communities you're going to visit in person.
Questions for journaling included in this episode:
- Do I see myself in a cloistered or an active community? Why?
- Is wearing a habit as part of religious life important to me? Why?
- Do I want to travel and serve in many places, or would I prefer to stay in one location? (I included this one because certain orders may station you around the world in several different convents!)
- What are my unique talents? (If you don’t know, think about what people often tell you you’re good at, or what people often ask you for help with.)
- What forms of prayer am I most attracted to- charismatic praise and worship? Rote prayers like the rosary? Lectio Divina?
- Who are the particular groups I feel called to serve? (The elderly, homeless, mothers in need, children?)
- Where do my gifts particularly shine? (teaching, nursing, cooking, writing, hospitality, etc?)
- What service experiences have I found most satisfying in the past, and why?
- When I envision myself in religious life, what do I picture myself doing?
- Are there any particular orders whose spirituality I’m attracted to- Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan, etc.
Questions for Zoom conversations:
- What do you love about your life?
- What does the schedule of a normal day look like?
- What do your community members do for fun and recreation?
- What’s the story of your founder?
- What do you most love about your charism?
Resources
- The God's Adventure Awaits Summit: 40+ Talks on Vocation and Catalog of 56 Religious Communities and Mission Organizations (Get 50% off using code DISCERNMENT50)
- Vision Vocation Network Matching Quiz