Second Sunday in Lent Year C (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)  02-28-2010

Just over six years ago, I started the discernment process for ordained ministry. The decision to begin the process of discernment has many considerations, especially if that journey is started in the middle of one’s life. There are practical matters of family and finances to consider; there are the important spiritual matters of God’s call to consider; and there is the seemingly “all important” question to consider: what time seems to be the “right” time to begin such an undertaking. All of these considerations were elements of the many discussions we had regarding my possible call to the priesthood, especially with two teenagers living at home. We initially considered waiting until the kids were off to college, but finally decided the present time was best, as long as everything moved along as we expected. The process went smoothly during my parish discernment and I promptly submitted my paperwork for the Diocesan discernment weekend, which is held only once per year. After submitting my paperwork to the Diocese in early June, I waited to hear about my participation in the discernment weekend that would be held in February. After weeks of waiting, I heard nothing; the weeks turned into months, and I still heard nothing. Continue reading →