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Fr. Jim Lobacz
Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

One of the questions I am repeatedly asked as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s vocation director is: “How will I know what God wants me to do?” This is a very real question for those pondering service to the Church in ordained or lay ecclesial ministry. Because there is overlap of one’s vocation (the lifestyle God has called the person to) and one’s occupation (how the person is going to make a living), it calls for some very careful and prayerful consideration. This is called discernment. Usually, I tell folks that discernment needs three things: information, experiences and time.

The need for information is quite practical. The person needs to know the educational prerequisites, requirements for candidates who serve in ministry, and the availability of formation programs. Consideration of related costs, application processes, and projected years of study also need to be taken into account. Some of this information can be garnered from the internet, and other times the person will need to meet a representative of a lay ecclesial ministry program, the director of the deacon program, or the diocesan vocation director. As the information falls into place, the person might begin to see some real challenges. Generally the individual should see if the challenges can be conquered by changes made in his or her life. If some things are found to be impossible, this just might be a message that the course being considered is not what God intends for the individual.

The need for experiences is more personal. If one is planning on serving the Church, involvement in the life of the Church is essential. This can often take the form of volunteering at the individual’s parish in any number of capacities. It is best if the person, over time, works through several areas of parish life: religious education, parish outreach, worship, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, parish leadership, grieving ministry, youth ministry events, service trips and so on. The person needs to see if being engaged in parish life and with the parish staff and pastor, has “a good feel” to it. It is only natural to have some jitters when trying new things, but in the long run there should be a growing comfort level in the person who is discerning. On the other hand, if the experiences are generating high levels of stress, this could be sign that the course being considered is not what God intends for the individual.

The need for time is the most spiritual component in discernment. The integration of information and experiences needs to take during place during periods of quiet, reflective prayer. This is one situation where rushing things is not helpful. The time spent in reflective prayer is often supported by a spiritual director. This trained professional guides the person through a series of exercises that helps the individual come to peace with a single choice. Spending prayerful time with questions posed by a spiritual director will never bring about certitude. It will, however, help the person reach a decision that has been properly tested and offer a serene movement into the future. Sometimes people are surprised at the resolution that comes at the end of discernment.  It takes them to the will of God, one they might not have expected when they started. But, as St. Francis of Assisi reminds us: “To do God’s will is our lasting joy!”
 

For more information on vocations, visit the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Vocations Office web page.