What is Discernment?
“God loves each one of us, beckoning us into a relationship that is personal, intimate and faithful. God calls out to us, inviting us to share in the divine life. How can we hear that call? What could hearing it mean as we live day to day? How can we help each other hear God’s voice and follow where God leads? How do we open that reception room in our hearts” Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community

Discernment in Prayer with Brother David Vryhof and Brother Lucas Hall, SSJ
November 18-20th
Making decisions is a part of life. All of us are constantly having to make choices, great and small, and these choices make up the pattern of our lives. The purpose of this weekend program is to explore the role of prayer in making life choices. How do we discern which of the options before us represents “the will of God” for our lives? How can we learn to recognize the movement of the Spirit in our prayer as we consider the choices before us? The program will include teaching and group discussion as well as some time for individual reflection. Come join Brother David Vryhof of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, as he helps us explore God’s working in our lives and in the choices before us.
Friday, November 18
“Listening to God Together” seminar on Friday evening, at 6p. For tickets to this event go to Eventbrite.com. The seminar includes a light dinner (with a vegetarian option) that will be prepared by the Daughters of the King. Tickets are $5.
Saturday, November 19
“Discerning God’s Voice in Everyday Life” workshop with Brother David Vryhof and Brother Lucas Hall on Saturday, 8:30a until 2p. To see the full schedule for this seminar, and to purchase tickets, go to Eventbrite.com. Lunch is included with the price of your ticket.
Sunday, November 20
At the 8a Eucharist, Brother Lucas Hall will preach. Then, at the 10a service, Brother Vryhof will preach. Following that, Brother Vryhof and Brother Hall will present “Discerning Your Vocation or ‘Calling’ in Life” in Clingman Hall, so even if you can’t attend one of the ticketed events, you can still hear about discernment.
Friday, November 18
“Listening to God Together” seminar on Friday evening, at 6p. For tickets to this event go to Eventbrite.com. The seminar includes a light dinner (with a vegetarian option) that will be prepared by the Daughters of the King. Tickets are $5.
Saturday, November 19
“Discerning God’s Voice in Everyday Life” workshop with Brother David Vryhof and Brother Lucas Hall on Saturday, 8:30a until 2p. To see the full schedule for this seminar, and to purchase tickets, go to Eventbrite.com. Lunch is included with the price of your ticket.
Sunday, November 20
At the 8a Eucharist, Brother Lucas Hall will preach. Then, at the 10a service, Brother Vryhof will preach. Following that, Brother Vryhof and Brother Hall will present “Discerning Your Vocation or ‘Calling’ in Life” in Clingman Hall, so even if you can’t attend one of the ticketed events, you can still hear about discernment.
David Vryhof, SSJE, entered the SSJE Community in 1985 and has served in a variety of roles in the Community. He has led teaching missions in the U.S., England, Israel/Palestine and eastern Africa. Prior to entering the monastery he was a teacher of Deaf children.
Lucas Hall, SSJE, is the most recently life-professed member of the SSJE Community. Currently he serves the Community as its Vocations Director. He is a graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, where he studied comparative religion and history.
Lucas Hall, SSJE, is the most recently life-professed member of the SSJE Community. Currently he serves the Community as its Vocations Director. He is a graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, where he studied comparative religion and history.
Want to Learn More?
Here are some places to learn more about and explore discernment
Start a Conversation
Make an appointment with your priest to share your questions and thoughts. Contact either the Rev. Kelly Kirby or the Rev. Benjamin Hart below.
Join a Small Group of Fellow Discerners
Assemble a group of five or more people, and the clergy will lead you through one of these programs. Called to Life is a 6-week program for small groups that explores questions of vocation and calling—how God works in our everyday lives. Called to Work is a 6-week program that explore questions of vocation and profession—how God calls in our everyday work.
Find a Spiritual Director
The Angela Merici Center will be happy to help you find a spiritual director that will best meet your needs and desires or you may click here for a listing of spiritual directors associated with the Angela Merici Center.
Click on the "Learn More" button below for more resources.
Click on the "Learn More" button below for more resources.
Enroll in the School of Ministry
The School of Ministry is a collaborative approach to the formation of lay ministers and deacons in the Diocese of Kentucky. This two-year course of study located at All Saints Center provides those seeking a better understanding of the many ways of doing ministry in the Church and the world a way to discern their gifts and carry out their ministry.
Visit a Monastic Community
Individuals and groups have enjoyed retreats at the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion (across the street from our church); the Ursaline Motherhouse in Louisville; the Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, KY; the Loretto Community Retreat Centers in Nerinx, KY; and Mt. St. Francis, IN.
Pick up a Book
Read more about discernment from spiritual writers. For a list of suggestions, please click "Learn More" below.