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YOU ARE CALLED TO SOMETHING GREAT
Am I called?
The short answer is yes.
The better question is: what am I called to?
Am I called?
It's actually a trick question because God calls everyone to something. Now if you're asking am I called to be a priest? Well we'll get back to that in a second because let's figure out what we do know already.
We know first that the amazing God does not call you to something mediocre. So don't settle for mediocre. God, the amazing One, calls you to an amazing life. Maybe it's to find the love of your life and to marry that person and have children. Maybe it's to become a bishop priest or a deacon who is in charge of the salvation of souls of a diocese or a parish. Maybe it's to begin heaven here on earth as a brother or sister in some religious community.
The second thing I know for sure is that I have no idea what God is calling you to. Your parents don't know. You, by yourself, cannot know what is your calling because it's a calling: God's calling you. The all-knowing all-powerful all-loving God has a calling for you and He will give you everything you need to accomplish that mission.
The last thing we know is that we were never meant to do anything important alone. We were meant and destined to live in a church, in a communion of persons with others living life together well.
And this is what we do here at Newark Priest. We walk with you as you are discovering God's call for you. And so we have here all the resources you need the one-on-one conversations. We have retreats we have opportunities for you to meet other young men who are asking similar questions to yourself.
So if you're interested in going deeper in your own discovery of God's call for you, reach out. We'd love to talk to you.
What is it like to discern?
DISCERNMENT IS NOT
wishful thinking. It isn't blindly willing something to happen. It isn't sitting around waiting for God to do something. It isn't goofing off until you can't anymore.
Discernment is not hiding and being afraid. It isn't ignoring others' opinions or insight. It isn't waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.
It isn't waiting for a miracle.
DISCERNMENT IS
active. It is active participation with the Holy Spirit in seeking out God's will for your life. This often means talking to others.
Discernment is exclusive. It requires full commitment to a singular consideration, wholeheartedly seeking God's will and waiting for His response.
Discernment is prayerful. A healthy relationship with the Lord is vital to hearing and understanding His voice. Prayer will help develop this relationship.
Discernment is a process. It will take time and work. God will be with you every step of the way.
WE CAN HELP
You don't have to wrestle with these questions alone.
Newark Priest is committed to helping young men discern their vocation. We can offer you support, guidance, and a community of fellow brothers who are also discerning God's call for their lives. Whether it's a simple question about discernment and the priesthood or a serious inquiry into the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to become a seminarian, we would love to talk it over with you.
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