Learning to Lead
a Discernment Group
Like many undertakings, leading a discernment group is both a science and an art.
Based on extensive experience, we’ve created a training program to teach you best practices.
You’ll also bring your own gifts and personality to enrich the group.
Learning to Lead
a Discernment Group
Getting started
Tips for Forming Your Group
Discernment groups are incredibly fruitful, but it can be challenging to find enough men willing to commit to the meetings.
Here are a few tips based on years of experience.
Priesthood Discernment Groups
Normalize Discernment
Do not promote the group as if it is only for men who want to be priests! Rather, the group is for faithful Catholic men who are open to God’s call, whatever it may be, and want to learn about priesthood—even if only to rule it out. Stress that every good, young, practicing Catholic man who loves Jesus Christ and His Church should spend some time discerning priesthood. Even if he is called to marriage and fatherhood, learning about the priesthood will make him a better Catholic man! One group leader says to students on campus: “Give Jesus six sessions to learn about discernment and then, if you’re not called, go in peace.”
Getting started
Tips for Forming Your Group
Discernment groups are incredibly fruitful, but it can be challenging to find enough men willing to commit to the meetings.
Here are a few tips based on years of experience.
Priesthood Discernment Groups
Normalize Discernment
Do not promote the group as if it is only for men who want to be priests! Rather, the group is for faithful Catholic men who are open to God’s call, whatever it may be, and want to learn about priesthood—even if only to rule it out. Stress that every good, young, practicing Catholic man who loves Jesus Christ and His Church should spend some time discerning priesthood. Even if he is called to marriage and fatherhood, learning about the priesthood will make him a better Catholic man! One group leader says to students on campus: “Give Jesus six sessions to learn about discernment and then, if you’re not called, go in peace.”
GROW IN FAITH & FELLOWSHIP
Personal Invitation is Best
Typically, the facilitators personally invite members to participate. Can you think of men you already know, who are practicing their Catholic faith, and might be interested in learning more about what it’s like to be a priest? That’s a great place to start.
GROW IN FAITH & FELLOWSHIP
Personal Invitation is Best
Typically, the facilitators personally invite members to participate. Can you think of men you already know, who are practicing their Catholic faith, and might be interested in learning more about what it’s like to be a priest? That’s a great place to start.
Empowering Young Men
Make Groups of Similarly Aged Men
It is important to form groups of men who are in the same stage of life. For example, high schoolers with high schoolers, college students with college students, young adults with young adults.
Empowering Young Men
Make Groups of Similarly Aged Men
It is important to form groups of men who are in the same stage of life. For example, high schoolers with high schoolers, college students with college students, young adults with young adults.
Grow in Love of Christ
Draw from a Larger Group
Already leading an active youth ministry? Connected to a vibrant young adult group? Serve as chaplain on campus? Often, when you are part of an existing group, you can ask a few men to form a small “group within the group.”
Grow in Love of Christ
Draw from a Larger Group
Already leading an active youth ministry? Connected to a vibrant young adult group? Serve as chaplain on campus? Often, when you are part of an existing group, you can ask a few men to form a small “group within the group.”
Grow in Fellowship
Enlist Help to Start the Group
Another powerful (and easy!) way to gather members is to enlist the help of someone already interested in joining a group. Have that person invite a few others, preferably friends, who might be willing to join. Sometimes they will fill the whole roster! It’s a great starting point since they already know each other.
Grow in Fellowship
Enlist Help to Start the Group
Another powerful (and easy!) way to gather members is to enlist the help of someone already interested in joining a group. Have that person invite a few others, preferably friends, who might be willing to join. Sometimes they will fill the whole roster! It’s a great starting point since they already know each other.
Share in The Truth
Don’t Be Afraid to Sell It
When first hearing about this discernment experience, potential members may be hesitant to commit. That’s pretty normal. But experience has shown the vast majority of participants absolutely love it. So be confident your group will be fantastic! Don’t be afraid to sell it! Six weeks exploring this vocation with other young men could be exactly what that guy needs right now.
Share in The Truth
Don’t Be Afraid to Sell It
When first hearing about this discernment experience, potential members may be hesitant to commit. That’s pretty normal. But experience has shown the vast majority of participants absolutely love it. So be confident your group will be fantastic! Don’t be afraid to sell it! Six weeks exploring this vocation with other young men could be exactly what that guy needs right now.
Reminders Galore
The day before and the day of the first meeting be sure to send reminders in the group text about the meeting time and place. Young men need reminders. After the first meeting, one of the members will assume this important role.
Rely on the Discussion Guide
Trust us on this one—just use the Field Guide and watch the videos and the meeting will nearly run itself! No need for re-invention.
Always Provide Refreshments
Including food creates community and prompts informal discussion. This is an important component of building camaraderie and helping men feel at ease.
Let the Men do the Talking
Don’t dominate the conversation; let guys talk about what’s on their minds and hearts. Start with the easy icebreaker questions provided in the guide, so men can get used to sharing aloud. Discussion will get deeper as men get to know each other.
Don’t be Too Formal
The idea is to build a wholesome environment of spiritual support, but also camaraderie and fun. If there’s no laughter, you’re doing it wrong!
Recruit Seminarians
Seminarians can make excellent group leaders. For a Pastoral Year or Summer Assignment, task a seminarian with organizing and leading a discernment group.
Reminders Galore
The day before and the day of the first meeting be sure to send reminders in the group text about the meeting time and place. Young men need reminders. After the first meeting, one of the members will assume this important role.
Rely on the Discussion Guide
Trust us on this one—just use the Field Guide and watch the videos and the meeting will nearly run itself! No need for re-invention.
Always Provide Refreshments
Including food creates community and prompts informal discussion. This is an important component of building camaraderie and helping men feel at ease.
Let the Men do the Talking
Don’t dominate the conversation; let guys talk about what’s on their minds and hearts. Start with the easy icebreaker questions provided in the guide, so men can get used to sharing aloud. Discussion will get deeper as men get to know each other.
Don’t be Too Formal
The idea is to build a wholesome environment of spiritual support, but also camaraderie and fun. If there’s no laughter, you’re doing it wrong!
Recruit Seminarians
Seminarians can make excellent group leaders. For a Pastoral Year or Summer Assignment, task a seminarian with organizing and leading a discernment group.