The word discernment comes from a Latin word meaning “to sift apart”. When we discern, we try to “sift apart” different possibilities in the hopes of finding the one that is most positive and life giving. The discipline and practice of discernment can happen on a variety of levels and in different circumstances (i.e. trying to determine which college to attend, discerning between different job possibilities or possible areas to move to).
For our purposes here we are focusing on discernment in terms of life vocation and specifically the possibility of a vocation to service within the Catholic Church as a priest, religious sister or brother, or a permanent deacon. In this context there are some specific things to keep in mind regarding discernment.
Here are some tried and true aids to help in discernment.
Discernment is an aspect of any true life of faith. Through discernment we come to know the amazing truth that God is indeed involved in our lives and that God wants nothing but the best for us.