They feel drawn toward consecrated life.<\/strong>
They are trying to listen for God\u2019s invitation.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n
You may not feel equipped to respond \u2014 but your encouragement matters.<\/p>\n
This page gathers simple guidance and trusted resources to help you support discernment with prayer, wisdom, and trust in the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
If you are unsure what your role should be in someone\u2019s discernment, begin with our introductory resource:<\/p>\n
Accompanying the Called<\/h3>\n
An Introduction to Accompaniment<\/em><\/p>\n This foundational resource helps you understand:<\/p>\n How to encourage without directing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n What is helpful and what to avoid<\/p>\n<\/li>\n When to suggest next steps<\/p>\n<\/li>\n How discernment unfolds at different stages of life<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Accompanying-the-Called-final.pdf” button_text=”download here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Accompanying-the-Called.png” title_text=”Accompanying the Called” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Parishioner-Encouragment.png” title_text=”Parishioner Encouragment” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#294786″ custom_padding=”12px||12px||true|” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_text_divider header=”Conversation Guides” color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” max_width=”1200px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_text_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Men and women often experience discernment in distinct ways. These guides provide practical conversation support to help you encourage each with wisdom, care, and trust in the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Encouraging a Man Discerning the Priesthood<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-Men-Priesthood.png” title_text=”Encouraging Men-Priesthood” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_text=”Download here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#F1B93D” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-a-Man-Discerning-Priesthood-final.pdf” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Encouraging a Man Discerning <\/strong>Consecrated Life<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-Men-CL-1.png” title_text=”Encouraging Men-CL” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_text=”Download Here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#F1B93D” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-a-Man-Discerning-Consecrated-Life-final.pdf” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Encouraging a Woman Discerning Consecrated Life<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-Women.png” title_text=”Encouraging Women” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_text=”Download here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#F1B93D” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Encouraging-a-Woman-Discerning-Consecrated-Life-final.pdf” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/encourage-discerners-1-scaled.png” background_position=”center_left” min_height=”333px” background_last_edited=”on|phone” parallax_phone=”off” parallax_method_phone=”off” background_position_phone=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-c00a1ad5-c50c-4ed7-8e40-dbbc4fbd45fe%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”A Prayer for Those Who Accompany Discernment ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#294786″ custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”#294786″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Heavenly Father,<\/span> Grant us\u00a0listening\u00a0hearts,\u00a0patient spirits,\u00a0and the grace to encourage without directing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Help us to trust Your guidance,\u00a0to speak with charity and humility,<\/span> Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother,<\/span> We ask this through Christ our Lord.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Additional Resources” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text_align=”center” title_level=”h2″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n When someone is ready to take a deeper step in discernment, these resources can help guide their prayer and reflection.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This comprehensive packet offers a structured path for discernment, including:<\/p>\n Daily prayer and sacramental guidance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Practical steps for participating fully in the life of the Church<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Recommended books and online resources<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Guidance on finding a spiritual director<\/p>\n<\/li>\n How and when to contact a vocation director or religious community<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Next steps toward seminary or religious life<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It is ideal for individuals who are ready to move beyond conversation and begin intentional, prayerful discernment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Download here” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Discerners-Packet-2024.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Discerners-Packet-wborder.png” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Discerners-Packet-wborder” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n For those actively discerning priesthood or consecrated life, our Discerners page gathers trusted resources, videos, books, and practical next steps in one place. Parishioners and mentors are encouraged to share this page with anyone seeking clarity about God\u2019s invitation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Explore Here” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” button_url=”https:\/\/www.vocationministry.com\/extra-resource\/extra-resources\/discerning\/” button_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes someone you know begins asking deeper questions. They wonder about priesthood.They feel drawn toward consecrated life.They are trying to listen for God\u2019s invitation. You may not feel equipped to respond \u2014 but your encouragement matters. This page gathers simple guidance and trusted resources to help you support discernment with prayer, wisdom, and trust in the Holy Spirit.If you are unsure what your role should be in someone\u2019s discernment, begin with our introductory resource: Accompanying the Called An Introduction to Accompaniment This foundational resource helps you understand: How to encourage without directing What is helpful and what to avoid When to suggest next steps How discernment unfolds at different stages of life \u201cWe must help souls to go forward in the path God has marked out for them, not the path we would choose.\u201d \u2014 St. Francis de Sales Create a Catechetical Program that Produces Vocations!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that year after year, studies find that close to 75% of the newly ordained first considered being a priest before 18 years of age? This statistic emphasizes the absolute necessity to encourage vocations early in life. To inspire more youth to hear God\u2019s call, Vocation Ministry created a fresh and innovative approach to present the joy of holy vocations to our youth in their everyday environment during their catechism classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new education-based workshops are informational and fast-paced based on the proven success of Vocation Ministry\u2019s parish-based workshops. It\u2019s designed to encourage, inspire, and equip Catechetical Leaders to create a vocation-producing catechetical program that can inspire children to think about what God is calling them to do in this life. This workshop can be held in person or virtually and is typically 1-3 hours in length.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Join us for a workshop designed just for YOU! It includes:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to our surveys,<\/strong> 95% of catechetical leaders report that they are highly likely to start promoting vocations after this workshop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe must help souls to go forward in the path God has marked out for them, not the path we would choose.\u201d<\/h2>\n
\u2014 St. Francis de Sales<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>You call each of us to follow You in love and freedom.<\/span>
<\/span>We place before You those who are discerning\u00a0the\u00a0priesthood<\/span>
<\/span>and consecrated life, and those who walk alongside them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>and to remain faithful companions on the journey.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>may all who seek Your will grow in peace, courage,<\/span>
<\/span>and openness to Your holy invitation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Amen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nDiscerner’s Packet<\/h4>\n
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Visit the Discerners Page<\/h4>\n
Conversation Guides<\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
Catechetical Leader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Workshop Flyer:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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