Discernment

 

In his address to a 1998 gathering of Oblates, Pope John Paul II explicitly invited the Oblates to "redouble their efforts in proposing their ideal to youth everywhere in the world, given that many young people are generous and have the desire to serve Christ and his Church."

 

As Pope John Paul said, young people are generous. We believe this, and we believe that young people have much to share with us and teach us. We also believe that the Oblate way of life has much to offer young people considering religious life today. The purpose of our formation process is to prepare people for mission and to live the vows in a way that is life giving for them and the people they will serve.

How is God Calling You to Live Your Life?

Discernment is the prayerful process of coming to know how God is calling you to live your life. It is a journey that involves you and God and the larger faith community, and is ultimately about making the best decision possible - one that will lead to a sense of purpose and meaning and in your life. The discernment process will take time and you will likely experience doubt and frustration, which is why a daily renewal of your commitment to seek God's will is important.

 

In the end, what is important is not that you join the Oblates, or some other religious order, or that you get married. What is important is that you find the way of life by which you will grow to be the person God wants you to be. It is then that we find the deep happiness that comes from God. Through it all keep asking for the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit, trusting that God will lead you to a decision that leads to life.

 

Steps in the Discernment Process:

1. A felt desire or interest in serving God
2. Beginning to take a look
3. Seek out more information
4. Discernment ... what's it all pointing to?
5. Validation ... moving towards a decision
6. Applying for entry into the Pre Novitiate
7. Trying on the life of an Oblate