Beat Discernment Overwhelm! Which Religious Communities Should I Visit?

Called and Caffeinated

Never be overwhelmed by discerning religious life again! In this Q&A episode, follow this simple method to narrow down your search from the entire universe to the communities you're going to visit in person.

Questions for journaling included in this episode:

• Do I see myself in a cloistered or an active community? Why?
• Is wearing a habit as part of religious life important to me? Why?
• Do I want to travel and serve in many places, or would I prefer to stay in one location? (I included this one because certain orders may station you around the world in several different convents!)
• What are my unique talents? (If you don’t know, think about what people often tell you you’re good at, or what people often ask you for help with.)
• What forms of prayer am I most attracted to- charismatic praise and worship? Rote prayers like the rosary? Lectio Divina?
• Who are the particular groups I feel called to serve? (The elderly, homeless, mothers in need, children?)
• Where do my gifts particularly shine? (teaching, nursing, cooking, writing, hospitality, etc?)
• What service experiences have I found most satisfying in the past, and why?
• When I envision myself in religious life, what do I picture myself doing?
• Are there any particular orders whose spirituality I’m attracted to- Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan, etc.

Questions for Zoom conversations:

• What do you love about your life?
• What does the schedule of a normal day look like?
• What do your community members do for fun and recreation?
• What’s the story of your founder?
• What do you most love about your charism?

Resources

• The God's Adventure Awaits Summit: 40+ Talks on Vocation and Catalog of 56 Religious Communities and Mission Organizations (Get 50% off using code DISCERNMENT50)
• Vision Vocation Network Matching Quiz

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life Rosaries. Get 10% off their Christmas in July sales happening NOW using code CAFFEINATED10 (please note, this code doesn't apply to 1-day sales, but will apply to everything else!)