Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese REPORT:
13 Jan 2012
13 Jan 2012
Marriage is a vocation and needs
prayer and God's help when
making this important decision
More than 20 Sydney Catholics have already registered for a free one-day workshop designed to help men and women discover what God wishes for them and how to make important decisions about their lives.
Conducted by the Archdiocese of Sydney on Friday, 20 January the workshop is inspired by the writings of St Ignatius.
The first of its kind to be held in Sydney and the first of three planned for throughout the year, the workshop has been created by the Archdiocesan Vocations Centre to help participants not only discover the power of prayer but how to call on God to help them make positive decisions in regard to their careers, marriages or furture.
The decisions can be as simple as what course of study should a school leaver follow at university but can also relate to decisions about a career and whether someone should change jobs or stay where they are. The decision could also be about a loved one and whether or not this really is the person they should marry.
"Christian decision-making is not just about priestly vocations or life as a religious," says Father Michael de Stoop, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Sydney who with Sister Anthony Mary Diago RSM has designed the workshop based on St Ignatius' insights and inspiration.
"We wanted to make sure the workshop is not just about abstract principles but will provide practical advice and real life examples on Christian decision-making and the difference this can make to our lives," he says.
University students often need guidance to decide
on careers and what God is calling them to do
Although some of those attending the January workshop or one of the other two to be held later in the year, may be seeking clarity in discerning a vocation for the priesthood or as a religious, others may be seeking God's guidance in their marriage, career, role as a parent or in their work for their local parish and ministry.
"Often when we are making decisions we want to know what God wants us to do. We make decisions pertaining to the gifts we received from Christ and for this reasons it should not just be our duty but our passion to pray to Him for guidance when making these decisions," says Fr de Stoop. But he points out for many, making the right decision isn't easy and we can become confused and worried.
"But St Ignatius in his teachings showed how we can make the right decision through prayer in combination with our own insights," he says.
St Ignatius, the 16th Century saint and founder of the Society of Jesus, used five basic principles to make decisions. The first was to trust in God and be very clear about what exactly needed to be decided. The second was to hold a strong belief in God in daily life while also seeking advice and information from others to help with making the decision. Next came the importance of impartiality and not leaning to one side or the other but instead carefully weighing all the advantages and disadvantages of the issue to be decided.
Fr Michael de Stoop with students at
University of Notre Dame
The fourth suggestion from St Ignatius was to give yourself time to really think about the decision, and while praying to God about this decision, listen to Him and discover which choice brings disquiet and which brings peace and ease.
Finally, as the commitment on what is the best way to go becomes clear, make the decision and pray to God for confirmation.
From St Ignatius's teachings, the workshop will explore Christian-decision making in far more detail and will also talk about the characteristics of authentic inspirations of the Holy Spirit and show how these can be used to reach a resolution that is not only right for you, but God's will.
Fr de Stoop and Sister Anthony Mary Diago have spent several months planning the workshop which will be held from 9.30 am until 3 pm on Friday, 20 January at the Catholic Education Centre, 3 Keating Street, Lidcombe.
For those unable to make this workshop, another will be held on Friday, 13 July as well as on 25 September.
Registration for next week's free workshop and to find out more, phone 02 9390 5970 or email vocations@sydneycatholic.org.
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