Vision for the House of Discernment
Living at Gratia Plena House of Discernment for a period of time is a privilege. Fr. Dan reminded us of this during his meditation To Be Called “before you were formed in the womb God chose you, he planned for you to live here, to discover his deep, intimate, and infinite love for you!” Gratia Plena is a Ministry full of opportunities!
The opportunity for individuals to concentrate their efforts on the discernment of their vocational call with the guidance of a Ministry Team and Board of Directors (made up of Vocations Directors, Liaisons, Advisors, and a Resident Director) and supported by the generosity of countless Benefactors and Volunteers.
The opportunity to live next door to Our Lord, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament 24/7 and available daily in the celebration of the Mass.
The opportunity to embrace simplicity; to begin to detach oneself from worldly pleasures, emotional attachments, modern conveniences, a form of poverty...in imitation of Christ.
The opportunity to experience God’s love poured out through the generosity and support of countless Volunteers and Benefactors from the entire Catholic community, and to graciously and humbly receive it.
The opportunity to live “in community” with women who are seeking to grow in virtue and holiness; who are intentional and disciplined about carving out time & space to discern God’s will. The schedule and programs are designed to support and encourage the development of good daily habits and a healthy personal rule of life.
The opportunity to grow in self knowledge and virtue; taking the next step toward any vocation requires a greater understanding of what it means to “begin to choose a life that has been chosen for you.”
The opportunity for individuals to concentrate their efforts on the discernment of their vocational call with the guidance of a Ministry Team and Board of Directors (made up of Vocations Directors, Liaisons, Advisors, and a Resident Director) and supported by the generosity of countless Benefactors and Volunteers.
- Am I taking the process of discernment seriously? This includes Mass, prayers and devotions, meditation, spiritual direction and confession, community time, work in the house and volunteering.
- How do I spend my free time?
- Am I striving to live beyond reproach to the best of my ability?
The opportunity to live next door to Our Lord, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament 24/7 and available daily in the celebration of the Mass.
- Am I making a humble and earnest effort in my prayer and sacramental life?
- Am I seeking/creating enough time for silence in order to detect the small whisper of the Holy Spirit?
The opportunity to embrace simplicity; to begin to detach oneself from worldly pleasures, emotional attachments, modern conveniences, a form of poverty...in imitation of Christ.
- Where am I seeking to find fulfillment?
- Are my actions detrimental to the peaceful existence and discernment of another?
- Does my pride cause me to find little to be positive about?
- Am I open to following the expectations of the house, even when they cause inconvenience?
- Am I willing to give up social activities to enter more fully into the rhythm of the house?
The opportunity to experience God’s love poured out through the generosity and support of countless Volunteers and Benefactors from the entire Catholic community, and to graciously and humbly receive it.
- Am I grateful for the donations, contributions, and material goods…?
- Do I properly care for the property I am allowed to use…?
- Am I mindful of utilities and not wasteful of resources?
The opportunity to live “in community” with women who are seeking to grow in virtue and holiness; who are intentional and disciplined about carving out time & space to discern God’s will. The schedule and programs are designed to support and encourage the development of good daily habits and a healthy personal rule of life.
- Am I receptive to guidance and correction?
- Do I express myself simply, honestly and humbly regarding any problems I am having with the standards and expectations set by the Ministry?
- Do I make efforts to include everyone in communal activities? Do I exclude anyone?
- Do I do my best to “love” the other residents even when their actions may irritate me?
The opportunity to grow in self knowledge and virtue; taking the next step toward any vocation requires a greater understanding of what it means to “begin to choose a life that has been chosen for you.”
- Am I rooting out pride and vice?
- Have I been generous with my time and talent?
- How am I modeling vulnerability?
