Contact:
For more information on Vocational Discernment in the Diocese of the Rio Grande please contact Mary Jewell in the Bishop's Office at (505-881-0636) or mjewell@dioceserg.org
Discernment Group Description
Diocesan Discernment Groups (Monthly, May-December, online)
Participation in a Diocesan Discernment Group is open to anyone who has participated in the Lenten Vocations Course and feels called to make a commitment to deepening their journey of vocational discernment in the Diocese of the Rio Grande in the context of a supportive community of peers and companions.
Diocesan Discernment Groups meet virtually once a month for shared prayer and discussion for ~9 months (usually May-December.)
In our Discernment Groups, we encourage and challenge one another to explore questions and embrace practices to strengthen our hearts, our heads, and our hands, so that we can continue to grow and flourish in our service to God, the Church, and the World. Each month we invite participants to focus their attention, inquiry, and practice on a specific aspect of life that is essential to vocational flourishing: Community and Relationships, Prayer and Spiritual Practice, Learning and Growth, Action and Reflection on Work & Ministry, and a Rule or Rhythm of Life.
We encourage participants to deepen the exploration they initiate in each month's Diocesan Discernment Group in further conversation with their parish priest, a local discernment support team, and a spiritual director.
Note:
Participation in a Diocesan Discernment Group is open to all members of the Diocese (at every stage of life and in every order of ministry) who feel called to deepen their relationship with God and their vocation in the church and in the world. Participation is NOT limited to those individuals who may be discerning a call to ordained ministry. However, it is expected that any individual who may be discerning a call to ordained ministry will participate in a Diocesan Discernment Group, or make arrangements, in consultation with the Bishop and the Vocations Team, to otherwise fulfill this aspect of communal growth and discernment on a diocesan level.
Diocesan Discernment Group Schedule & Materials
Diocesan Discernment Groups will meet via zoom one Wednesday Evening each month (usually the 1st Wednesday), from 6-7:30PM (Mountain), 7-8:30PM (Central) from May through December.
2024 Session Schedule
Session 1: May 1, 2024
Session 2: June 5, 2024
Session 3: July 3, 2024
Session 4: August 3, 2024
Session 5: September 4, 2024
Session 6: October 2, 2024
Session 7: November 6, 2024
Session 8: December 4, 2024
Getting Ready (April)
"Homework" in preparation for Session 1
Register to participate in this year’s Diocesan Discernment Group
Set up a meeting with your parish priest and together make plans to meet monthly with a clergy person and/or small group from your local parish or faith community for ongoing conversation, exploration, and support throughout the season of your participation in a Diocesan Discernment Group.
Begin meeting regularly with a Spiritual Director
Complete: Vocational Snapshot Exercise
Review and Reflect on: General/Foundational Guiding Questions for Discernment (For Discerners AND their Clergy, Companions, and Guides)
Session 1 (May)
Life in Community
"Homework" after Session 1
Reflect on: Guiding Exercises & Questions exploring Community
Bonus Zoom Session (Optional): Discernment in Relationships (for discerners AND partners) w/Donnel Miller-Mutia
Session 2 (June)
Spiritual Life
"Homework" after Session 2
Session 3 (July)
Learning & Growth
"Homework" after Session 3
Session 4 (August)
Action & Reflection on Ministry
"Homework" after Session 4
Reflect on: Guiding Exercises & Questions exploring action & reflection cycle (in life, work, and ministry)
Session 5 (September) Rule/Rhythm of Life
"Homework" after Session 5
Session 6 (October)
Preparing Discernment Portfolios
Homework after Session 6
Call Mary Jewell to make an appointment with the Bishop
Schedule zoom conversation with the Rev. Dr. Jeanine Driscoll
Prepare & Submit Discernment Portfolio (Due November 1st)
Make tentative lodging arrangements (if needed) for Winter Discernment Weekend/Vocations Retreat in ABQ