Beginning the Discernment Process
Is God Calling You?
It isn't always easy to know where we are called and because we have free will God waits for us to respond to His Call. Acknowledging God's presence and hearing God's voice in our thoughts, feelings and desires, helps us to understand if this is truly from God. He might give you a gentle tug in your heart or you might find more joy and fulfillment in helping others, attending Eucharistic celebrations and/or serving God's people. Maybe the idea of becoming a priest or religious brother gives you a sense of peace and joy. We then can say yes to God's voice.
" Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of His way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church's liturgy you wil discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You are Christ's disciples today. Shine His light upon this great city and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free."
- Pope Benedict XVI
Greeting to Young People
St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie
19 April 2008
Learn more about the Capuchin Franciscans and their way of life. If you are a single Catholic male between the ages of 18 and 40, have completed a high school education or better, live in New York State or the New England states and feel the Lord may be calling you, we would also like to learn more about you.
We invite you to contact
Brother Tim Jones, O.F.M., Cap., Director of Vocation Ministry, if you would like to discuss your possible call. Please feel free to write, call or email
Brother Tim at
Good Shepherd Friary, 608 Isham Street, New York, New York 10034; 212-567-1300; brotimjones@yahoo.com.
We offer a number of discernment weekends throughout the academic year to give you an opportunity to meet with other men your age with similar interests as well as get to know some of our Capuchin Franciscan brothers. Brother Tim will be happy to visit and talk with you about these discernment weekends. You are also encouraged to visit our Capuchin Franciscan friaries and ministerial sites to become more familiar with our way of life as well as attend fraternal events and gatherings witnessing our brotherhood in action.