Beginning the discernment process with the community
Throughout our lives we are called to live with open and listening hearts.
However, the discernment process invites a woman to focus her attention
on God’s call by looking more seriously at the possibility of a
religious vocation for herself.
This time of mutual discernment gives a woman an opportunity to experience
the life, ministry and spirituality of a Sister of Notre Dame. It also
gives the community an opportunity to come to know the woman responding
to God’s
call. For approximately one year, she meets regularly with the vocation
director who assists her in recognizing and responding to God’s
call in her life.
Sometimes discernment can take place more freely and easily in a prayerful, supportive environment, such as a discernment house. This also gives the women in discernment a chance to come to know the religious community over a period of several months.
A woman beginning this type of discernment is encouraged to approach
this time prayerfully so that she can come to a free response to God’s call,
whether that means to stay with the discernment process and continue to pursue
her call with the Sisters of Notre Dame or to move peacefully onto another
vocational path.
If you are interested in starting a discernment process or would like
more information about it, contact one of our vocation
directors.
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