In this section, we will explore how we can make our Catholic faith the basis of the way we live our life. Where can our faith help us? Can our faith impact our decision-making? How can I live in such a way that I respect myself and others?
Making decisions is a process known in the Catholic Church as discernment.
Discernment basically means, first of all, identifying the decision to be made. Then you would spend some time gathering the necessary information to help you make an intelligent choice. Thirdly, once you have all the info you need to make an informed decision, there needs to be a period of prayerful openness to God’s will for you. Alongside placing your decision in God’s hands, you would need to take some time to weigh up the pros and cons. Finally, you would ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and desires and guide you towards the truth. Ultimately, you should finish by actually making a decision, based on full knowledge and trust in God.
This can all be easier said than done, but it really is about allowing God to be a part of your choices and thoughts.
The call to the priesthood can seem quite counter-cultural and certainly requires a great deal of thought and prayer. Guys, even if you have never asked yourself the question as to whether you might want to become a priest, you have an opportunity to find out more about this unique vocation here. All of us – guys and girls – can grow in understanding of what it is like to be called by God to become a priest, through these powerful testimonies.
Fr Rob Galea shares his vocation story
Fr Casey Cole answers questions about his first year as a priest
Many teens who have a boyfriend or girlfriend may begin asking themselves how far they can go to show their love.
The short answer is that, whilst our bodies are developmentally ready at quite a young age, we are not always mentally ready to take on such a big step. In fact, that is why the Church has guidelines aimed at protecting the sexual act – which is the most precious gift you can give to your spouse! Sex should be saved for marriage, so that your commitment is secure. Giving your body to your spouse is a celebration of this commitment. Saving yourself for marriage also protects the individual from unnecessary hurt that occurs when we try to separate sex from it’s proper place.
We all love in different ways! In his popular book, Gary Chapman describes the five love languages – five areas which best describe the way that we choose to communicate our love – whether it is to our parents, friends or other loved ones. Identifying the way in which you express love is beneficial in helping you to recognise when conflicts arise and encouraging you to give and receive love in more meaningful ways.
A vocation to the ordained ministry of Bishop, Priest or Deacon is to be a living sign of Jesus and an instrument of Christ in the world.
Choosing the Religious Life is choosing to follow Christ with an undivided heart, usually living in community and taking vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They seek to devote their life to prayer or work with others and bear witness to Christ in a distinctive way.
Some people are called to holiness by devoting their whole life to loving their spouse and in welcoming children. Marriage in the Catholic Church, between husband and wife, must be faithful, fruitful, life-long and entered into freely.
Jason Evert describes the purpose and value of marriage
We are all born into the state of being single and it should remain our position if we do not enter into marriage, ordination or consecrated life. Whilst many single people remain open to other vocations, some people do choose to remain permanently single as a lay person and live their lives in service to their local community.
Jackie Francois shares some of her thoughts on living the single life
Aside from the more well-known examples of consecration, such as religious brothers or sisters, many people choose to live a consecrated life as a special way of living out their calling as a baptised member of the Church. To be consecrated means to be “set apart”.
Listen to Hannah Vaughan-Spruce share about living as a consecrated virgin
