Discernment basically means “hearing the call” and trying to figure out where God might be calling you to serve Him. It is a life-long process of growth and listening to how God moves the heart in a new way of service. It begins in one’s heart – but it also involves other people, especially in the Church.
The survey below is made up of 20 questions that will help you to begin discernment for the priesthood. It is important to be completely honest with yourself throughout the survey.
Fr. Greg Gerhart, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Austin, has developed a tremendous resource for discerners, called “Discernment 180”. Somewhat like Exodus 90, it outlines a rule of life and provides meditations for daily prayer to facilitate vocational discernment through the pursuit of holiness.
With his permission, we are delighted to make Discernment 180 available at Dallas Vocations, for a limited time only. You can download the PDF by clicking on the button below, or find other formats available at the Austin Vocations website here: Discernment 180 - Diocese of Austin, TX (austinvocations.com)
To learn more about the process for becoming a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Dallas, contact the Director of Vocations. Do not be afraid! His job is to be available to answer your questions and help guide you as you try to figure out what the Lord is doing in your life. If you’re just starting to think about the possibility that the Lord might call you to be a priest, but don’t know anything about the process, send him an email or call his office here. He’d love to hear from you!