Overcoming A Lack of Support During Discernment

CLEVELAND - Jan. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- I've heard from many young women that their most difficult challenge is finding support in discerning the religious life. Whether it is from family members, peers, or someone else in their life, there is often skepticism - or even worse, opposition - in response to a religious vocation.

The modern mind doesn't understand the value of consecrated religious life. Even parents can find it hard to accept their child's vocation, especially when they have hopes of having grandchildren. They may also worry that their child will be shut away in a cloister. However, your own joy and sincerity can be a testimony that you are not signing up for some terrible fate by considering the religious life! Talk with them about what attracts you to this life, what you are excited about, and how religious life will help you live your life to the fullest. Be honest, and ask what their concerns are. Perhaps they are upset because they have a flawed view of what consecrated religious life is!

A support group is important to avoid discouragement. If your parents and friends support your discernment, talk with them about the opposition you feel. A lot of relief comes from talking aloud about your struggles and problems to a listening ear! Seek the advice of someone with more wisdom and experience, such as a spiritual director. You can find a spiritual director by talking with a priest at your parish or university. Although they themselves may not necessarily have the experience or time to be your spiritual director, they will know other priests whom they can recommend.

Another option is to get in touch with Sisters. All of the communities have a sister in charge of keeping contact with young ladies discerning their vocation. Their advice and their prayers will be of great help during this time. Keep in contact with virtuous lay people you look up to, or leaders from your church. Their prayers, wisdom, and guidance can help you through obstacles you encounter.

It's essential to remember that to some degree, we must remain uninfluenced by the criticism and opinions of others. Stay steadfast in your resolve. Steer your course like a ship, catching the wind of the Holy Spirit, while keeping a firm hand on the rudder. Like Christ, you may never win the approval of the world, and must be prepared to carry his cross.

In the end, the decision to pursue religious life is between you and God. Prayer is essential to the discernment process. Strengthen your own prayer and sacramental life, lifting up in prayer your worries, concerns, and obstacles. God will not give you more than you can handle, and if you are called to religious life, he will provide the necessary graces to weather the storm, as long as you ask for them. Many of the obstacles you encounter will be spiritual attacks.

Don't give up hope, because God's plan is perfect. Assuredly, it is not always easy, but it is the best for our fulfillment. Let us say as St. Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day..."

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If you think you may be called to become a Mercedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, take our simple Test Your Call survey at http://mercedariansisters.org/Formation/TestYourCall.aspx. I'll write a personal response.

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Sr. Jeanette Marie, Vocations Director