Fostering Discernment

     This past weekend, our community welcomed two young men discerning monastic life.  This visit is typically called a “Come and See” experience, but Fr. Gregory-David prefers naming it a “Discernment Weekend”.  Since being appointed to the position of vocation director this past August, Father emphasizes the idea that the ministry of helping others discern their vocation has two vital aspects.   He explains, “One important aspect of vocational ministry is to enable others to understand and experience our life as we live it in the monastery.  The other is to minister to those attracted to our life by helping them develop a spirit of discernment that can be helpful to them whether they pursue life in our community or not.”  

     For the gentlemen who came to visit us, they were able to participate in our monastic life by joining us in prayer, meals, common recreation and other activities that are part of our daily schedule.  Additionally, each day they attended sessions of discussion and prayer with Fr. Gregory-David who introduced to them themes related to monastic discernment.  Afterward, they were given time to pray and reflect on what was learned and shared from the session.   At the end of the weekend, they were privately interviewed and given “food for thought” that they could take with them as a tool in their continued journey of discernment back in the “outside world”.

     This was the first Discernment Weekend that Fr. Gregory-David facilitated.  Our community plans on hosting future “Come and See” experiences in the future on a regular basis.  Please pray that the work of our community to “get the word out” about our life and our ministry in fostering vocations will bear the fruit that will enable our legacy to continue for future generations.