When it comes to discerning your vocation, experience is the best teacher. Sure you can go through all the steps of discernment to discover whether you have a calling, but everything remains speculation until you get out there, spend time with an order, and actively try to live according to their Rule of life.
By spending time with an order, praying with them and striving to live according to their Rule to the best of your abilities, you’ll discover whether the order is suited to your character and temperament. You’ll find out if their charism engages you on an intellectual level. And you’ll also discover whether you are physically suited to keep the order’s Rule of life.
In short, by experiencing first-hand an order’s life and Rule, you’ll discover not just whether you are suited to an order’s charism, but whether its charism suits you. The beauty of one’s vocation is that it’s consistent with who God created you to be. He isn’t going to call you to something that’s completely at odds with who you are and what you’re capable of.
As men of God, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement passionately live our mission to be God’s instruments of At-One-Ment – the reconciliation of humankind with one another, with creation, and with God, that Christ began through his life and ministry.
If you feel God is calling you to serve His cause of peace and reconciliation more directly, then we invite you to explore the many opportunities to discern with us. Come and experience At-One-Ment first-hand, and discover with certainty whether God is calling you to this life at the Come & Discern Vocation Retreat, October 17-20.
If you are a single, Catholic man, between the ages of 18-40, this opportunity is perfect for you! Don't hesitate—spots fill up quickly. The application deadline is Thursday, October 10th, 2019!
To get you started, we invite you to read our free eBook “10 Tips for Discernment”. Reflect, pray, and act on these tips as you continue your spiritual journey.
©2019 Franciscan Friars of Atonement