Discerning God’s Call
God never makes a mistake when he calls. It can be hard to fathom, but it’s true: God will never call you into a vocation that is not the perfect fit for you. The Creator of the Universe never makes mistakes! The only rational response to God’s will is total surrender.
Before you surrender to his will, you need to discern where he is calling you!
Here are ten tried-and-true ways to discern your vocation:
- Pray and Listen asking the Lord daily to show you his will.
- Pray the Rosary asking for the intercession of Mary, Mother of priests.
- Pray a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament regularly.
- Attend Mass frequently (daily if possible) and receive Communion.
- Go to Confession on a consistent basis.
- Read Scripture and meditate on God’s Word.
- Talk to a priest you find approachable and ask for spiritual advice.
- Contact the Vocation Director.
- Talk to seminarians when they come home for the holidays.
- Become involved in your parish.
For more discernment advice and helpful resources, visit the Diocese of Spokane Office of Vocations website.
What is a Priest?
The priesthood is a life of joy and sacrifice. Along with various administrative or teaching roles, a priest’s job is to…
Preach the Gospel
The first duty of every priest is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Son of God was born as a man, suffered, died, and rose again for our sake! Priests spend their lives proclaiming this life-changing message!
Celebrate the Holy Mass
Every day, priests hold in their hands God’s greatest gift to humanity: the Eucharist. This “sacrament of sacraments” is life-giving nourishment for God’s people and a sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
Be a Sign of Heaven
Priests give themselves completely to the Bride of Christ, the Church. They embrace celibacy to show that the realmarriage—the one on which earthly matrimony is based—is the wedding feast of the Lamb! Celibacy is a supernatural sign that heaven is real.
Love, and Serve All
Priests pour themselves out for the people of God every day. There are tough, stressful days and incredibly beautiful days. With hearts full of love, priests serve the poor, visit the imprisoned, and counsel their parishioners. They bring Jesus to whomever they meet.
To learn more, visit the Diocese of Spokane vocations website.
