How will I know?
How do I know for sure what God's plan for me is? What do I really know about life as a religious? How can I grow closer to Christ? What qualities should I look for in myself to consider becoming a Sister of Bon Secours?

In each pivotal life decision, there comes a time of deep contemplation and reflection; a time when we must lovingly peel back the layers to discover our truest and deepest desires; a time when we must quiet the mind and open our hearts to hear the whisperings of the Spirit; a time of trust that the Lord will lead us where we are most needed; a time of discernment.

When reflecting on the qualities to look for in religious life you may think about your own:

• Love of God and others
• Openness to being Spirit-led
• Interest in serving the Church
• Generous heart and wholesome attitude
• Desire for prayer
• Comfort with Faith sharing
• Compassionate concern for people who are poor, sick or suffering

Growing in Faith: The INQUIRY/Discernment Phase
If you are considering religious life, the first phase of your discernment experience begins when you contact, Sr. Pat Dowling, our vocation director, to learn more about what that life is like. Sr. Pat will listen to your thoughts and answer all your questions. As you continue your dialogue with Sr. Pat, she will invite you to visit us and to attend a "Come and See" vocation event that is offered several times a year. It is an opportunity to visit with our sisters and other women like you who are exploring a call. It is a wonderful time to share your stories, ask questions, and enjoy the process of getting to know one another. It may be held in a community of sisters located near you or at our Provincial House in Marriottsville, Maryland.

As your interest continues, Sr. Pat will match you up with a sister who will be your prayer partner and another who will become your companion sister. Both, along with the vocation director, will support you as you move through the discernment process. You will talk with each sister regularly and Sr. Pat, yourself, and your companion sister will meet together to discuss your progress. During this phase, which can last up to two years, you'll continue to live in your home and conduct your day-to-day affairs as before. You'll meet regularly with your spiritual director, and you'll be given reading materials to acquaint you with the Sisters of Bon Secours, our values, and charism.

During the Inquiry/Discernment phase you'll also have opportunities to participate with the sisters in community events and celebrations. You'll be invited to visit regularly and share prayer and community life, as well as participate in live-in weekends, or extended live-in experiences with the Sisters of Bon Secours where you will live with us for a week or up to a month to familiarize you with living in community.

You'll end this phase with a formal request to become a pre-candidate and begin the application process.

Exploring a vocation
Discernment is a mutual process. Together we will explore your call to religious life and whether the Sisters of Bon Secours are the community where you'll best be able to share your gifts and grow. As in any coming together as family, it is important for you to discern whether you feel comfortable about the community and the community members must know in our heart that you will be happy and fulfilled with us.

During this process, you will live in your home and continue with your day-to-day life while you explore whether you have a call to a religious vocation. You will continue visiting us, and meeting regularly with your spiritual director, companion sister, and Sr. Pat.

This discernment process requires a commitment of your time, your energy and yourself. You'll take part in regular, prayerful reflection on questions such as "Where is God meeting me and drawing me in the events of my life and in the world around me?" You'll explore everything from your style of decision making to multicultural awareness, to your relationship with family, friends, and God.

Vocation discernment is a means of coming to an informed decision before God of what you are called to. Should you and the community through mutual discernment agree that this is indeed where you are meant to be, you will be ready for the next step of becoming a pre-candidate and completing the application process for entrance as a Candidate.

Scripture Passages Related to Call/Vocation   • Suggested Books on Discernment

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