M
mountainman99
Guest
Hello,
I’ve been looking around for materials on how to discern a calling to the diaconate. In what I’ve come across, I see that many deacons say that their discernment more or less began with their formation. This contrasts what I would expect, since a close friend of mine who recently entered the seminary spent years discerning whether or not he was called to become a priest, even before entering seminary. He would attend events and discernment retreats that eventually led him to the realization that God was calling him to the priesthood. He is also very prayerful and frequently went to adoration, which I’m sure played a key role in his responding to God’s call. I feel a little bit confused at the moment, although I’m trying to patient and trust in the Lord. There have been several instances where I feel that God has tried to communicate with me that he wants me to be a deacon, but it’s hard to know for sure that it’s not just my subconscious playing tricks on me. There have also been 3 or 4 times where people have asked me if I’ve considered becoming a deacon, and this is something I definitely don’t bring up to people, with the exception of my wife. It’s quite strange to hear people ask me about something that’s on my mind without them knowing it’s on my mind. Despite feeling like I might be called, I’m challenged by the fact that I’ve only just turned 30, and I’m only 2 years into my marriage. It makes no sense to me that the Lord would be calling me to a vocation for which I don’t meet the requirements yet. What I’m looking for is advice on how to listen to God better, so that I might be able to know if I’m truly being called. Perhaps there are some books that might help me in my situation. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, and God bless!
I’ve been looking around for materials on how to discern a calling to the diaconate. In what I’ve come across, I see that many deacons say that their discernment more or less began with their formation. This contrasts what I would expect, since a close friend of mine who recently entered the seminary spent years discerning whether or not he was called to become a priest, even before entering seminary. He would attend events and discernment retreats that eventually led him to the realization that God was calling him to the priesthood. He is also very prayerful and frequently went to adoration, which I’m sure played a key role in his responding to God’s call. I feel a little bit confused at the moment, although I’m trying to patient and trust in the Lord. There have been several instances where I feel that God has tried to communicate with me that he wants me to be a deacon, but it’s hard to know for sure that it’s not just my subconscious playing tricks on me. There have also been 3 or 4 times where people have asked me if I’ve considered becoming a deacon, and this is something I definitely don’t bring up to people, with the exception of my wife. It’s quite strange to hear people ask me about something that’s on my mind without them knowing it’s on my mind. Despite feeling like I might be called, I’m challenged by the fact that I’ve only just turned 30, and I’m only 2 years into my marriage. It makes no sense to me that the Lord would be calling me to a vocation for which I don’t meet the requirements yet. What I’m looking for is advice on how to listen to God better, so that I might be able to know if I’m truly being called. Perhaps there are some books that might help me in my situation. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, and God bless!
