ABOUT US

Formation: A call to become

Ongoing Formation

With all the baptized,
Religious share the call to live the fullness of the Christian life
By following Jesus of Nazareth.
We choose a particular way of life by which as Sisters of St Joseph
We seek to bring our Baptismal commitment to maturity. 
(Constitutions p 9)

This is how a 23-year-old writes about discerning her future: 
‘As a young person today in a world where there are so many choices, I stand and look at all the possibilities for my life. They are all inviting – I sit with this and allow each one to speak to me. I listen to my heart’s response. I picture myself in each place and see how it feels. I think I’m beginning to know where my heart is taking me.’ 

Before any decision affecting the rest of life, we all need a period of discernment.

Discernment is a decision-making process which requires reflection, prayer and attentiveness to the ‘inner voice’ of the Spirit. In order to hear this, we need to pause, listen, be open to the possible and receptive to the ‘way' that is offered. Pausing is essential as it clears a space in the mind and heart so that we can be open to the Spirit and be free to make a discerned choice. As St Paul puts it: To discern/know ‘what hope God’s call holds for us.’ (Eph.1:18) 

Sometimes a time of discernment is set up for a person wondering if their vocation is in religious life. This is time to listen and wait for God’s plan in their life to be revealed.

This process of discernment continues during the novitiate and time of temporary vows. It is an essential element in the decision making for ongoing formation and ministry for religious and for all people in all walks of life.