Waterloo Catholics

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 allow 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.]

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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 Formation. 320 Mulberry Street, Waterloo IA 50703
Phone: 319-234-9912  •   Email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us

 Posted 01.08  •  Last Update 08.19.09