Discernment is the process of listening to the voice of God, who calls us to follow Him. In vocational discernment, a person listens to hear God's call to priesthood, consecrated religious life, marriage, or a sacred single life. Ultimately, discernment is about growing in discipleship - in a daily, intentional relationship with Jesus Christ.

A good way to discern is to focus on three areas:

• Prayer - growing in daily relationship and conversation with God
• Sacraments - encountering Christ through regular celebration f the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Service of Others - learning to be more and more like God by putting the needs of others before our own

During the discernment process, it is often helpful to talk to someone else who might be able to help you hear God's voice and distinguish between your own will and the will of God. A Spiritual Director, your parish priest, a man or woman in religious life, or a trusted mentor can help you in this process of discernment. The Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Fr. Eric Augenstein, is also glad to speak with anyone about the process of discernment.

Visit the pages to the left to find out information about upcoming discernment events in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and beyond.

Seminarian Handbook

Questions about the process of applying to seminary, the life of a seminarian, or guidelines and policies for seminarians? Read the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Seminarian Handbook.

Recommended Resources

The Vocations Office has a number of discernment resources available including books on the priesthood, religious life, and discernment in general. Please reach out to the Vocations Office at vocations@archindy.org for more information on how to obtain them.