Priestly Discernment

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the witness and ministry of our diocesan priests in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Continue to send labourers into your harvest. Inspire the hearts of your people to answer your call to the priesthood. Bless our families with a spirit of generosity, and may those you call have the courage to give themselves to your Church in faith. Lord Jesus, send your Holy Spirit upon me to guide me in my own vocation. Enlighten my mind to show me what you want of me; fill my heart with the determination to answer your call in faith, hope and love. Who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
– Prayer for Priestly Discernment
How does it work?

When you begin to actively investigate the possibility, it involves more than just trying to uncover God’s will. There are two sides, the personal and the ecclesial (you and the Church). While you are discerning God’s call, which takes place both before and during seminary formation (or training), the Church is also discerning if you have the necessary qualities to be an effective priest. Not every man who thinks he should be a priest, should be a priest. 

A valid candidate for the sacrament of Holy Orders needs to demonstrate more than just wanting to be a priest. You have to demonstrate the ability to gain the skills and the knowledge necessary to be a priest. You must also show a desire to do all the proper things that need to be done in order to be a good priest. In other words, you must desire to be a man of service to the Church out of your love for the Lord and zeal for souls. 

These efforts and desires will demonstrate your readiness for the vocation. Discernment is an art and it is learned by doing and praying, not just by reading about it. It is a fruit of a person’s relationship with the Lord. When we desire to do God’s will, are willing to be open to God and have a solid knowledge of God, then discernment is possible. Therefore, prayer is an essential component in the process of discernment. 

To be a truly discerning person, we need to be humble, charitable and courageous. As we become more familiar with the Lord in prayer, we will come to know that the “still, small voice” speaks in peace, never in turmoil, anxiety or restlessness.

For more information about discerning, please visit the following pages:
Discernment Weekends
Quo Vadis?

Want to know more!