Discernment: How can I gain clarity about my vocation?

Discernment:  Many times, I get the question: “How do I know whether God is calling me to religious life? There’s an attraction to religious life but how do I really know for sure?” One of the ways to arrive at  some clarity and a deeper knowing is to explore all vocations—religious life, single life, and/or marriage.  Take time to look at your hopes and fears of each. For you, what are the pros/cons of marriage, of religious life, of the single lifestyle? Take time in a prayerful atmosphere, a time of solitude and quiet to answer those questions for yourself and do so in writing.  Then, talk to someone you trust about what surfaced for you. Or email me—I’d love to enter into a dialogue with you about your findings!  Or if you are in the area, drop by and talk with me.