Steps to Discernment

"Stay Close to the Sacraments
"Participate in Mass every Sunday, on holy days of obligation and daily when your schedule permits. Make frequent confession, once a month or even more often. Not yet confirmed? Do it!

"Get A Spiritual Director
"Ask a priest to meet with you once a month for 30 to 60 minutes for confession and to discuss your spiritual life. Tell him you're considering priesthood.

"Pray Every Day
"Develop a daily prayer routine with your spiritual director. Pray for God to give you not only knowledge of what He wants you to do but the courage to do it.

"Serve Your Parish
"Seek opportunities to get involved in parish life. Choose one parish and register - don't float from parish to parish.

"If you do these things and still think you might have a vocation, it's probably time to contact (the Vocations Director)."

from the Vocations website of the Archdiocese of Washington
www.dcvocations.org