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The Role of Discernment in the
Rites of Christian Initiation
and Reception

 

    Life is full of decisions.  And there is never a guarantee that the decisions we make will for sure be the right decisions.  However, we can be open to a posture of decision-making that reflects a God-focus.  We can enter into a process of discernment, which is a particularly appropriate kind of decision-making for an individual participating in the Rite of Christian Reception. 
   
Discernment is not a foolproof set of directions one follows to come to the perfect solution. Rather, it is a surrender into a process of coming to fuller self-knowledge and responding out of that experience.  While the practical judgment made is of definite value, it is the whole process of trust and surrender that is of definite value.  We can never know if the decisions we make are “right” decisions because we see now “only as in a glass darkly.”  However, we can know we make a “good” decision if we have been faithful to the demands of the discernment process.

What Discernment is Not
• Discernment does not occur only through gut-level responses such as
  feelings or emotions.  Affectivity, however integrated, cannot be the
  sole criterion for decision.
• Discernment does not in essence happen through a systematic and
  logical process.  It is more than decision-making.  It is an adventure
  that faces the mystery of God's stirrings.
• Discernment usually does not occur through private revelations to an
  individual.  Private revelations are prone to self-deception and therefore
  need the community's confirmation.

Guidelines for Discernment
• Discernment is the art of finding meaning in our daily lived lives, as it
  reflects God's revelation. It is not about seeing new things, but seeing
  things in a new way.  
• Often we can discern the ways of God by using common sense
  supported by informed and prudent judgment, but sometimes we
  overextend our competence, and therefore blind ourselves to the need
  for further investigation and consultation.
• Discernment is a holistic process which involves the intellect,
  psychological state, affectivity, spiritual, volitional and physical.  All
  elements of our embodied person can play a role in offering cues. 
• One can approach the process of discernment with confidence that
  God will guide us in our faithful searching.  Such a level of trust
  presumes a developing relationship between us and God. 

• We must be comfortable with the possibility of a wrong decision, but if
  we are faithful to the process of discernment, we can rest in the
  certitude of a good decision, knowing that God will use whatever our
  falterings are to bring about good.
• Discernment occurs in God's time (kairos), the appointed time, the
  time that best serves the building of God's reign.  It is not calculated
  and cannot be measured, except in terms of fidelity.  It takes trust to
  llow God's time to emerge, to know the right moment and not to rush.
• Discernment leads us to a sense of detachment -- the ability to
  remove ourselves enough to be able to accept whatever is asked of
  us. Such detachment teaches us to make room to welcome whatever
  is given, to accept all as gift.

• Discernment requires obedience and surrender.  Obedience means
  truly listening to the words of life, and then responding.  Surrender
  means turning over private expectations and desires for the greater gift
  that we can receive if we open our hearts to God.

    Four steps or “movements” characterize the discernment process:

Deliberation
    Deliberation includes acquiring the necessary information to make an informed decision, honestly assessing our current situation, and envisioning new possibilities.  It requires exploring all sides, weighing the pros and cons, and considering all of the possibilities.
    There are two forms of deliberation which are necessary for discernment:  First, we need to consult with ourselves. We need to seriously consider our gifts and our limitations.  Second, we need to consult with others.  We need someone who is objective and leaves us free to make our own decisions, even if they are poor decisions. 
    During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask ourselves:

• Am I open to consult other persons in this process?
• Do I consult with legitimate authorities -- people who know me well -- for
  feedback and direction?
• Do I make time for silence and solitude in this discernment process?
• Do I make time to pray during this discernment process?

Reflection
    There are also two types of reflection. The first type assumes certain expectations.  We have already make up our minds, and have decided what we will discover.  Such reflection does not lead to honest discernment.  The second type of reflection opens us to the truth in whatever way it emerges.  We do not protect ourselves from the uncomfortable.  We allow the issues and ideas raised during deliberation to work from the inside out.  We listen, slowly and respectfully.  This kind of reflection requires a certain level of disinterested involvement -- we give ourselves over to the process, without deciding ahead of time what the result will be.
    During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask ourselves:

• Where is God for me in all of this?
• How does this relate to my life in my family, among friends, within my
  community or work?
• In what ways will my decision promote Christian love and
  Christian values?
• What is the most response-able course to take?

Insight
    Insight emerges slowly and gradually, as we purge ourselves of the desire to “short-cut” the discernment process.  When we give ourselves over to the discernment process, we open ourselves to whatever insights might emerge on a deeper level where images are being transformed, our experiences reinforced, and our awareness of ourselves is being clarified.  Insight emerges through a birthing process; it is a gift of the Spirit.
    During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask ourselves:

• Have I made time to let all of this settle down and to seep into my
  being?
• How do the insights which emerge relate to my lived experience and
  my relationship to God?
• Is there a sense of inner peace and quiet with the choice which is
  emerging?
• Can I honestly say that this decision “fits” with my true sense of
  myself?

Decision and Action
    After prayerful reflection and consultation, we can come to a posture of liberation and hence a decision.  This decision will affirm and promote the gifts we have been given for building up the reign of God.  We should resolve to follow the decision which emerges through the process of discernment, until evidence presents itself that the decision needs to be reevaluated.  We can trust the presence of the Spirit in the decision which emerges through our discernment when it leads to a fuller expression of the gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).

[Adapted from Thomas H. Morris, The RCIA--Transforming the Church. 
©1997 by Paulist Press.]

•   •   •

If you have questions or concerns about the role of discernment in the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA) and Reception (RCRA), you should visit with your Parish Sponsor, the Director of Initiaiton, the pastor, or another trusted spiritual guide.

Or contact:
Director of Adult Faith Formation  •  320 Mulberry St., Waterloo IA 50703. Phone: 319-234-9912  •  Email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us

 Posted 01.08  •  Last Update 08.19.09

ADULT FORMATION PRINCIPLES
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are committed to providing life-long faith formation and spiritual growth for adults of all ages. We value individual life experience, respect the diversity of personal convictions, and welcome the wisdom of every participant. We encourage conversation and dialogue. We will never intentionally embarrass or offend participants.

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