Vocational Discernment Resources

Links

NCCB/USCC - Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation

NCCB/USCC - Secretariat for the Diaconate

NCDVD - National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors

NCCV - National Coalition for Church Vocations

Serra USA/Canada Council Web Site

Knights of Columbus - Supreme Council

Archdioceses and Dioceses in the United States: Links to Diocesan Vocation Offices

Diocesan Vocations

Ministry Connect Home Page

Catholic Youth Networking vocations site

"Who 2 B" Home Page

VISION MAGAZINE: Religious Vocation Discernment Guidebook

 
Related Books

Doing the Truth in Love, by Father Michael Himes.
This basic and engaging theology of God, human relationships and service assists readers in reflecting more faithfully and more theologically on their own lives, particularly if they are involved in pastoral ministry or service projects. Published by Paulist Press, 1995.

Following God's Call, by Judette Gallares.
This book is a series of Scripture meditations on God's call and the path of discernment. Available from Sister Janice Bemowski by e-mailing: sr.janice.m.bemowski@usa.net.

Friends in the Lord: Exploring Consecrated Discipleship, by Father Thomas Feeley, CSC.
The author explores consecrated life through the lens of love and from the perspective of friendship with the Lord and with others, allowing the vows, community life, and ministry to take on new dimensions. Published by Daughters of St. Paul, 2001. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 522-8911.

God Moments: Why Faith Really Matters to a New Generation, by Jeremy Langford.
A Gen-Xer examines his own and his generation's search for meaning and purpose. Published by Orbis Books, 2002. http://www.maryknollmall.org/

Why Not Be a Missioner?, edited by Michael Leach and Susan Perry.
Young lay and religious missionaries tell about their search for meaning, the rewards of a life of service, and the spirituality that nurtures their endeavors. Published by Orbis Books, 2002. http://www.maryknollmall.org/

Seven Story Mountain, by Thomas Merton.
This well-known monk's autobiography of the years leading up to his decision to become a monk continues to be a compelling read a half a century after it was written. Published by Harvest Books.

Inner Compass, by Margaret Silf.
This book provides an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It's designed to help readers discover their individual selves and their relationship with God through prayer, discernment, and reflective living. Published by Loyola Press, 1999. 1-800-621-1008.

Pastores Dabo Vobis (I Will Give You Shepherds), by Pope John Paul II.
The pope expounds on the gift and mystery of the call to the priesthood. Published by Daughters of St. Paul, 1992. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 522-8911.

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, by Parker Palmer.
The author invites readers to listen to the inner teacher and follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Published by Jossey Bass, 1999.

Novena to Follow God's Call (booklet)
This Scriptural novena helps to open hearts to the Word of God and to the work of God by reflecting on the lives of men and women of the Old and New Testament who also heard the Lord's call and responded to it. Published by the Daughters of St. Paul, 2001. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 522-8911. http://www.pauline.org

On the Way to Priesthood, by Sister Kathleen Bryant, RSC.
This book assists men considering the possibility of priesthood. Published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD), 2000. Available in English or Spanish from NCDVD by e-mailing ncvocdir@aol.com or (843) 280-7191.

What Does God Want? A Practical Guide to Making Decisions , by Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, and James D. Manney.
The authors present clear, simple guidance for those considering religious life. Published by Our Sunday Visitor, 1996. 800-348-2440. http://www.osv.com

Paying Attention to God: Discernment in Prayer, by Father William A. Barry, SJ.
"I am convinced," says Barry, "that we encounter God in a mysterious way and that God wants a personal relationship with each of us." Helping people pay attention to these encounters is the purpose of this book. Published by Ave Maria Press, 1990. 1-800-282-1865.

The Long Loneliness, by Dorothy Day.
Twentieth-century activist, pacifist, and founder of the Catholic Worker movement, Day lived out an exemplary lay vocation with passion and spirit and an unyielding sense of justice. A life story not to be missed.

Weeds Among the Wheat: Where Prayer and Action Meet, by Father Thomas Green, SJ.
The author explores discernment, seeing it as a function of your relationship with God; the closer you are to God, the more you understand what he desires for you. Published by Ave Maria Press, 1984. 1-800-282-1865.

This Our Exile, by Father James Martin, SJ.
The author paints a vivid picture of overseas mission while telling of his experience working with African refugees while a Jesuit "in training." Published by Orbis Books, 1999. 1-800-258-5838. http://www.maryknollmall.org/

In Good Company: The Fast Track From the Corporate World to Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, by Father James Martin, SJ.
With humor and heart, this Jesuit priest tells the story of his own journey from the business world to religious life. Published by Sheed and Ward, 2000. 1-800-266-5564

Vita Consecrata (On the Consecrated Life), by Pope John Paul II.
The pope reflects on the gift of the consecrated life to the Church focusing on the vows, community life, the call to mission, the centrality of prayer, and the journey in holiness. Published by Daughters of St. Paul, 1996. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 522-8911. http://www.pauline.org

Vocations Anonymous: A handbook for adults discerning priesthood and religious life, by Sister Kathleen Bryant, RSC.
This book tells what people need to hear-but frequently don't know how to ask- regarding the process of making prayerful vocation decisions. Published by National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV), 1996. Available from NCCV, 1-800-671-6228 or NCCV400@aol.com.

When God Asks for an Undivided Heart: Exploring Celibacy in Love and Freedom, by Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR.
Offers an in-depth look at the call to celibate chastity. Published by the Daughters of St. Paul, 1995. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 522-8911.

The Discerning Heart: Discovering a Personal God, by Maureen Conroy.
This book explains how St. Ignatius' Rules for Discernment can help individuals understand their relationship with God in a personal way, and it offers guidelines for daily living. Published by Loyola Press, 1993.