Discernment involves faith and intellect

Special to the WCR
Edmonton

Discernment is "a critiquing and sorting out process" calling for the "combined activity of faith and intellect," enabling one to arrive at a clearer view of the road to take.

That's the view Margot Bilodeau presented to 25 young adult women and men gathered for a special session on vocation discernment Feb. 3 at St. Joseph Basilica.

Bilodeau led the group, alternating input and personal time, guided by questions for reflection, journalling and group sharing.

The sower and the seed

A reading and dramatic portrayal of the parable of the sower and the seed illustrated the principle that situations have the potential to either bind us or free us and that God's word gives us the recipe to freely choose life.

Bilodeau is a member of the Secular Institute of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and currently works as a life coach and vocation counselor. Present with her at the session were 10 other members of the Edmonton Vocation Committee.

The discernment questions were introduced within the understanding that all are called to discipleship and to holiness, to do with our lives, "something beautiful for God." The young adults responded with an impressive degree of reverence and intensity.

Four additional gatherings are slated for March 13, April 19, May 24 and June 21. For more information phone the Catholic Pastoral Centre at 469-1010.

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