Discerning a vocation to become a deacon

[Brendan]

gez722:

I have been hesitant to approach my pastor about discerning my vocation, because I really feel unworthy at this point.

One more thing, go ahead and talk with your pastor, and most especially the deacons at your parish.

Don’t worry about feeling unworthy, no one is ever truely worthy to serve at God’s altar; but through God we can be made worthy.

As they say " God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the Called"

 

[servantofgod]

Hi gez722 –

Wow, I’m so glad to have read this thread today. I’m over here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (neighbors!) and am at nearly the exact same point of discernment as what you have described!

I’ve found that all of the same recommendations that people are making here are similar to those that I’ve heard from others too (e.g. check out www.deaconsplace.info). It’s all good advice. I was asking the same questions that you are now asking about 3 months ago. Since then, I too have begun a regular prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, and Mass attendance routine.

I am fortunate to work on a Catholic college campus, where I now read at Mass, minister the Precious Blood of the Eucharist, and am participating as much as time allows in service and community groups.

I’m at the point now where I am starting to discuss more seriously my vocation with both the chaplain on campus and my pastor. I hope to be in contact with the Archdiocese soon to inquire about formation programs and required study.

I have 3 young children as well (7, 2, and 8 wks) and am going through the same predicament of questioning whether balancing family life and religious life will be achievable.

I’m not exactly sure how I might be able to accomplish this, but if God wants me – I will go. He’ll take care of the details. I think that’s the single most important thing I’ve learned so far - trust in God. He will lead you.

If you’re interested, I’d be glad to talk more with you about this sometime. Being in such similar situations, it might be helpful to share thoughts, concerns, prayers, etc. further.

God Bless and I will pray for God’s grace to reach you where you are on your journey, and to guide you as you continue your path towards His will.

 

[gez722]

All,

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I’ve made an appointment to speak with my pastor about getting involved in some parish ministries. I’ve also contacted the Diocese and they have sent me some literature and invited me to a discernment seminar.

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to discern the will of God for my life.

God Bless!

 

[Brendan]

servantofgod:

Hi gez722 –

I have 3 young children as well (7, 2, and 8 wks) and am going through the same predicament of questioning whether balancing family life and religious life will be achievable.

.

Just keep repeating to yourself “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” Make it your motto!

The diaconate community and my pastor have been a real help
with all the formation duties.

Several of the other candidates have daughters of babysitting age, (free of charge) and my pastor regularly sends over Confirmation candidates to do their Service work helping out my wife while I am at class or on a Retreat.

The local KofC Council is also a real help (again babysitting aged daughters!)

Don’t think you can or should try to do it alone. Christ instituted His Church as a community. Use it, it’s His was of Strengthening you!

 

[servantofgod]

Thank you most gratefully for the advice!

 

[Mark6916]

Hi, All.

I’m new to Catholic Answers and this whole manner of communication, so thank you for making this seem worthwhile.

I Googled into your conversation string because I’ve been contemplating whether I should pursue service as a Deacon.

The thought keeps popping to mind, and I’m not sure whose it is, God’s or mine, but I am sure I should keep inquiring.

So…

Please say a prayer for me, and if you have a practical tip or two for a husband, dad of five, and NYC commuter (other than “are you nuts?”), I’m all ears!

Mark

 

[gez722]

Mark6916:

Hi, All.

I’m new to Catholic Answers and this whole manner of communication, so thank you for making this seem worthwhile.

I Googled into your conversation string because I’ve been contemplating whether I should pursue service as a Deacon.

The thought keeps popping to mind, and I’m not sure whose it is, God’s or mine, but I am sure I should keep inquiring.

So…

Please say a prayer for me, and if you have a practical tip or two for a husband, dad of five, and NYC commuter (other than “are you nuts?”), I’m all ears!

Mark

Hi Mark,

The thought of becoming a permanent deacon kept popping into my head and finally I spoke to my pastor about it. He gave me some good ideas and as a result I became involved in my parish nursing home ministry. I would highly recommend speaking to a priest or deacon about your potential vocation.

In my case, my kids are still young so the time’s not right for me to enter the diaconate formation program. Right now I’m just proceeding at my own pace and discerning “unofficially”.

I will keep you in my prayers.

God Bless,
Gary