What is discernment, and how do
Vincentians understand it?
Discernment is a process whereby the individual man, sensing a call
to priesthood or brotherhood, takes concrete steps to see if he is
being called by God to serve the Church as a Vincentian priest or
brother. It begins informally, as the inquirer is invited to visit
our community houses and see our ministries. He is also given
literature about the life and spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul
and encouraged to read and discuss it with the Vocation
Director.
When does discernment become a more
formalized process?
After inquiring for several months, a man is invited to make a
discernment retreat. He also agrees to enter into spiritual
direction with a Vincentian on a regular basis, as well as to
intensify his prayer life by reading scripture and attending
Eucharist on a daily basis. He also grows in awareness of the
charism of St. Vincent de Paul and how Vincentians today live it
out.
Can ‘formal’ discernment include a
possible residency with Vincentians?
In some provinces, there are opportunities for men to live in a
discernment house with like-minded men, guided by a Vincentian
priest in residence. A discerner applies and is interviewed by the
Vocation Director and the Vincentian priest living in the
discernment house. Usually this residency lasts one to two
years.