The process of vocational discernment is one of listening and responding, step by step, according to the light of faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.  The job of the discerner is to cultivate in her heart and mind a disposition to hear the voice of the Lord and to take concrete steps to be open to the call of the Lord.  

Some practices that can be helpful to this end include:

• Make a point of setting aside time for prayer every day, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, if possible.

• Pray with Holy Scripture

• Find a good spiritual director

• Frequent the Sacrament of Confession

• Go to daily Mass

• Volunteer with your local parish or serve the underprivileged in some fashion

• Be in contact with one or two Religious communities, possibly scheduling a visit.
  (It can become confusing to visit too many communities at one time. Remember, discerning your vocation is not “shopping around” for the best fit. It is listening and being led. Narrowing yourself to one or two communities to relate to, and then seeing where the Lord leads from there, can be helpful. If possible, discuss with your spiritual director which communities you feel attracted to learning more about.)