Catholic Student Center at USF

At the winter 2000 meeting of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association Sr. Catherine Bertrand, SSND spoke about her experiences of helping young women discern their vocations to the religious life.

Sr. Bertrand offered some advice to young adults who are seeking to discern their life's vocation. She said that there are five things to keep in mind when one is trying to make a major life decision.

1. "God is a God of multiple choices. There is no one way that is the only way, especially in choosing between two or more good options. God doesn't play games with us and doesn't keep us guessing.

2. "God works in the ordinary. Because God is God, extraordinary things can happen too. But as much as we would love divine intervention or revelation, most of the time God is revealed in the ordinary.

3. "God is indeed with us in our choosing. God invites through our inclinations. Sometimes we think God only asks of us what we find most distasteful . . . I don't think so. God desires our happiness, not our misery. Even in following our deepest desires and inclinations, it will be costly enough.

4. "There are calls within calls. Why I came to religious life is very different from why I stay.

5. "Choices in the present impact decisions in the future. This is related to the notion of calls within calls. If you have a passion now for serving others in volunteer programs, etc., somehow that will find a means of expression in whatever you do in the future."

1. "Fear and excuses: 選'm not ready.' 糎hat if I make a mistake?'

2. "Sense of self: 選'm not good enough, smart enough, holy enough.' 選'm not loveable! If someone really knew who I was.' She also said that it is possible for someone to be "so wounded, unhealthy, addicted that he or she is incapable of making positive decisions.

3. "Commitment: 選f I choose one thing, I can't do something else. We want to make sure there is an escape clause before we sign on any dotted line.

4. "Opinions of others: 船esire to have everyone understand why I am doing what I am doing. We don't want to stand alone.

5. "Laziness: To participate in the mission of Jesus takes time and energy."

First, she recommended that each person make discernment a way of life and a daily task. One must be open to the possibilities that life, and each day, provides. This style of on-going discernment relies both on having accurate information and on listening attentively to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Sr. Bertrand suggested that "at the end of the day ask yourself four questions: How was God revealed to me today? How did I respond to God's grace in my life today, especially in being attentive to the needs of others? For what do I need to ask forgiveness? For what do I give thanks to God?"

Second, she recommended that each person seek out the companionship of a good mentor, a good spiritual director and good friends.

Third, she said "pray - alone and with others - effort is what counts, not perfection or style. Find time for silence. Allow your mind and heart to be touched by the word of God regularly. Select a passage of scripture that is your touchstone. Be attuned to what may become a favorite prayer."

Fourth, she said, "develop the art of listening, of being quiet."