Timestamps:
00:00:00 – 00:00:26 – Introduction
00:00:27 – 00:03:30 – The Role of Vocations Director
00:03:31 – 00:06:29 – Discerning a Vocational Call
00:06:30 – 00:09:29 – Methods of Discernment
00:09:30 – 00:12:28 – Overcoming Fear and Discernment
00:12:29 – 00:15:12 – Resources for Vocational Discernment
00:15:13 – 00:17:25 – Religious Life Options in Australia
00:17:26 – 00:19:03 – Exploring Religious Vocations in Australia
00:19:04 – 00:21:00 – Steps for Vocational Discernment
00:21:01 – 00:22:39 – Understanding Identity in Discernment
00:22:40 – 00:24:38 – The Importance of Detachment
00:24:39 – 00:26:26 – Seminary Experience.
00:26:27 – 00:28:24 – Avoiding Idolatry in Vocational Aspirations
00:28:25 – 00:30:14 – The Role of Holiness in Vocation.
00:30:15 – 00:33:02 – Broadening the Definition of Vocation
00:33:03 – 00:37:50 – The Challenge of Single Life as a Vocation
00:37:51 – 00:40:24 – Truth, Beauty and Goodness / Episode Conclusion
Episode Summary:
How do we discern God’s call for our lives? In this episode of Living Fullness, Stina and Padre explore what it means to hear and follow a vocational calling—marriage, priesthood, religious life, or single consecrated life. They discuss immediate “no’s” and incompatibilities, the resources available in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and how Christians everywhere can look for authentic guidance in their discernment. Along the way, they unpack the difference between careers and vocations, how charisms and spiritual gifts fit in, and the pitfalls of “perpetual discernment.” Rooted in faith, virtue, and dialogue with God, this conversation highlights discernment as an active, courageous response to God’s love.
Key Discussion Points:
- Immediate Incompatibilities: Padre outlines clear signs that someone may not be ready for vocational commitment, including immaturity, an inability to sustain relationships or work, or running away from life responsibilities. These indicators reveal when deeper formation is needed before entering discernment seriously.
- Resources for Discernment: In Wagga, opportunities like the Seminary, Missionaries of Charity, Dominicans, and the Confraternity provide paths for vocational exploration. More broadly, each diocese offers communities, programs, and mentors to help individuals listen for God’s call.
- Detachment and Fruits of Discernment: Stina emphasizes the importance of detachment, securing one’s identity in God, and paying attention to the spiritual fruits of discernment rather than seeking constant clarity. Authentic discernment is measured by growth in love, peace, and freedom.
- Vocation Beyond Career: Stina pushes back against the idea of vocation as “just another career.” Parenthood, marriage, and priesthood are lifelong callings that extend beyond earthly careers and into eternity. Vocations don’t equate to human value but signify a particular call to love.
- Discernment Paralysis: Padre critiques the tendency of “perpetual discerners” who never act. True discernment requires prudence, fortitude, and concrete steps forward. Citing John Damascene, they highlight discernment as “the queen and crown of all virtues,” guiding us away from fear and into trust in God’s providence.
Reflective Questions:
- Am I actively discerning my vocation, or am I caught in “discernment paralysis”?
- What fruits—peace, joy, freedom—do I notice in my prayer and discernment?
- Have I sought out guidance, mentors, or communities to help me discern my call?
- Do I see my gifts and charisms as ways God may be pointing me toward a particular path?
Practical Suggestions for Growth:
- Practice Detachment: Make space in your daily life to let go of distractions and anchor your identity in being a child of God.
- Seek Community: Join a diocesan discernment program, speak to a trusted priest or mentor, or explore a religious order to gain clarity.
- Take Concrete Steps: Don’t remain stuck in endless “what ifs.” Take small, courageous steps in discernment, trusting God to guide and correct.
- Reflect on Fruits: Journal about where you notice God’s peace and joy in your discernment journey, and use this as a guidepost for further prayer.
Truth, Beauty & Goodness
Padre – His Nephew.
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