Priesthood Discernment for Catholic Youth in the Archdiocese of Louisville
Since Jesus first called the fisherman Simon Peter to become Peter the Apostle, the “fisher of men,” Jesus has continued the call for ordained service to the People of God.
Down through the ages men have asked if Jesus is calling them to the priesthood. They have wondered about how the call comes to them. Sometimes the call is a persistent thought that will not go away. Sometimes the call is a repeated invitation, by fellow parishioners, family and friends, who see the gift of priesthood in you. Sometimes it is a surprise, like when Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. God continues the call to the priesthood – men of faith from every culture, education level, economic level, and with various interests and personality types.
Could God be calling you to be a priest? Could God be calling you to be a sister?
This question isn’t easily answered. However, you aren’t alone in this. Others have similar questions regarding the same call. In the Archdiocese of Louisville there are a number of ways to find your answers.
Be not afraid! When Jesus calls you, he always gives you what you need to complete the call. You are being called to answer your questions, to look deeper within yourself, to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you, to give yourself in sacrifice and service – to become more like Jesus.
“I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have … For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self control.” 1 Tim 1:6-7
What is a Discernment Group?
A discernment group is a process by which a person can think, pray, ask questions and receive guidance to determine if he has a possible vocation to the diocesan priesthood.
Getting involved in a discernment group doesn’t mean that you are committed to going to seminary. Rather, it means that you are committed to growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ and in building up his kingdom through works of loving service.
Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” (Mk 8:35) Jesus calls you to no less than total commitment to him. Are you willing to let him lead you to your true calling? The group gives you the support for that discernment, whether it be to the priesthood or to another role in the life and mission of the church.
Your participation is private. No one needs to know that you are involved in a discernment group unless you want them to know.
What Happens at a Discernment Gathering?
Discernment Groups for Men and WomenFOR MEN:
- PRAYER We begin with prayer for about 30 minutes – usually Lectio Divina, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration and other prayer forms.
- FOOD After prayer we have a meal – usually provided by our host parish.
- CONVERSATION During mealtime we have the opportunity to talk with each other. Our focus is discernment, but the conversation can vary widely. The “agenda” for the gathering is largely up to the members of the group. The vocation director or another priest is always with the youth to help out and to answer any questions.
What else can I do to find out if I am called to be a priest?
- Get involved in ministry. There is no better way to find out if you are called to ministry than if you are actually participating in the ministry of your local parish or with an apostolic service program. Make a commitment to regular ministry, and share your gifts in Christian service.
- Make an appointment with the Vocation Director. The Vocation Director can help you decide how to pursue your discernment. He also determines readiness to be involved in a discernment program or to apply for seminary college when you graduate from high school.
- Shadow a priest for a day. A number of our Louisville priests make themselves available for a discerner to see firsthand what the daily life of a priest is like.
- Visit a seminary. The Archdiocese of Louisville typically sends college seminarians to Marian College in Indianapolis, IN. During your visit you to can see what seminary college life is like.
- Go on a retreat. There are numerous retreat centers throughout the archdiocese, as well as local seminaries, that offer individual directed retreats.
- Spiritual Direction. A spiritual director is a person who is a spiritual companion. A spiritual director assists the directee in understanding where God is in his life and what God’s call is. The director helps the directee to grow in self-understanding, personal holiness and knowledge of the faith. They usually meet once monthly.
FOR WOMEN:We gather the last Sunday of each month at Bellarmine Campus, Horrigan Hall in the Fireplace Room. This group is open to single Catholic women 18 and older. For more information, see the
Women’s Discernment page.
We want to help you in your quest to discover how God is calling you for service to the People of God. Contact the Vocation Office for further information or to inquire about participation.
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