Considering a call to the diaconate

[AppalachianCatholic]

I feel like God is calling me to the diaconate. I’ve struggled with this call for a long time, mainly because I feel unworthy to even broach the idea with others let alone become a deacon. My question for those that have answered the call is how did you feel about being called? Did you resist the call or did you just know it was the right thing to do? Do you have any advice for discernment? Thank you in advance for your replies. God bless and please remember me in your prayers.

 

[ajfrab]

When the idea first came to me, I literally laughed and thought “you’ve got to be kidding.” He wasn’t.
As far as being worthy, a wise old priest, who is also a Benedictine monk and my spiritual director once told me (about that very concern): “You can stop worrying. You’re not worthy. You never will be. None of us are and we never will be. Yet God calls us anyway.”
Regarding discernment, if you are not already, become very active in your parish, in several ministries. Pray–a lot. And finding a good spiritual director would be a great step.