The #1 Mistake People Make When Discerning Their Vocation

Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call.

He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion.
Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant for. When we focus and trust, God’s will becomes clear.

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[neoalley]

A mother superior once said to me, "God can't steer a parked car. Get going." I always think about that, but I feel like this video really makes that phrase hit me what she was saying.

[kayleebaginski]

In my experience, vocational discernment was agonizing and often times seemed very silly. I had “beaten around the bush” with the idea of religious life for years because I was too afraid of becoming a nun. I hadn’t dated anyone either, but I wanted to. Like many people, I was stuck in that “I think God’s calling me to religious life, but I want marriage and he might be calling me to that too. But I don’t know.” Of course, I don’t want to let God down and choose the “wrong” thing. And of course, if I choose wrongly, I do not want to be miserable the rest of my life.

I learned the hard way, but I know now that if there’s something you’re resisting or avoiding (like I was with the pursuit of religious life), you need to go through it. There’s no other way, and you put yourself at risk for unnecessary anguish. You have to do it.

Another huge thing you need to look into is healing. And looking at the lies you believe about yourself. Live in truth. Walk in the light. It’ll be easier to see what is needed of you. But, easier said than done, and momento mori.

[beccakaminski]

This actually just happened to me. I kinda wish this video was posted a month ago. Lol this is straight facts you can't discern two vocations at once. Staying on the fence is no fun and it's a hard place to really discern the voice of God in your life. Now that I have made my decision, I do really feel peace in the commitment! It's definitely human to doubt and go back and forth, but the Lord is greater then our doubt :) Jesus I trust in You! Thanks for a great video!

[TheCaptain]

Best advice on vocation discernment I’ve seen

[beaprz]

Father Mike, what a perfect timing. This is really God speaking to me through you

[vikramansenthil]

Quite literally was just thinking about this in my own life. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz!

[gameassist]

Thank you, Father Mike! I feel very vindicated by this. A lot of young people feel anxiety about jumping discernment ships. I have felt the pressure myself and I came to the same conclusion. Our goal is holiness and St. Francis DeSales says that the vocation for someone isn't going to be the same path to holiness for another. Thank you, Fr. Mike!

[Nehara_Seraphine]

Discerning the movements of the heart can be difficult. Sometimes after a lifetime of making bad decisions, you start to question your discernment ability. The heart is fickle...it wants what it wants.
I pray that we make our decisions based on love and that we respond to God's invitation with love. That we run towards what we want, ready to be present fully in it and to sacrifice all of ourselves for it...not just because other options failed or we're running from something else.
Whatever we discern, may we be fully in it because our heart is called to be there. If it's not, may we discern out of that before discerning something else. There's a reason there are so many songs about heartbreak. We break hearts easily by discerning where the grass looks greener while still discerning something else.

[aleksjas]

Thank God you became a father!!! A father for us all❤

[RanMouri]

Thanks for this. I'm a happy virgin in my 40s who was turned away from convents due to mental illness. I still long to dedicate myself to God. Not sure how to discern that now, though. 🤷‍♀️

[mandalorianbusiness]

I had precisely the same struggles just recently before taking on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje! This video is another definitive answer to my prayers!

Thank you, father Mike! God bless you for all the work you are doing. Your videos have always struck enlightment in my soul😇🙏🏻

[andreaj]

Thank you for always keeping it practical, Father Mike. I needed this.

[YDdraigGoch]

Thank you so much for this, Father Mike.
It is always so good to hear you and your wisdom and insight through a transparent, Catholic lens.
I am right now working full-time, and am involved in my parish.
I am also trying to simply know and work on myself better as an invidual person and a young woman of faith.

Please pray for me, Father, and please know that I am praying for you and your ministry. You have been a light for so many people, myself included.

Please take good care, and God bless you! 🙏🏻

[theignorantcatholic]

Absolute banger. Thanks heaps Fr. Mike!

Blessings to you and your flock.

[DawnLapka-ci]

There's also the " outside the norm:" marriage, divorce and annulment or widow then religious. Even then, it might not be what you expect. Or it can go the other way: priest or nun until you get through school, then you meet someone and get married. I like St. Hedwig. She was married, then she was a nun, then she got married. Her life was lived the way you describe Fr. Mike: you can only discern one Vocation at a time. Say YES, no matter what He calls you to, because you are living the life He wants you to as you go through your life. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[HectorCamacho-tb]

Gracias Father Mike, GOD Bless You and Everyone who listens. ☝️💯🫡✌️

[chamomile]

Fr. Mike! Can you please make a video about ways Catholics can respond in situations where they are falsely accused of something and how they can stay encouraged?

[richardwaltz]

This taught me so much about patience. THANK YOU!

[Bigchilezlife]

This is me! Idk what in the world God wants from me! No matter what retreat and any spiritual experience that grabs me from the Holy Spirit

[dan]

To all the people questioning being single etc--

1 Corinthians 7 is a good one to read.
Specifically verses 26-28 and 32-35.
But with remaining single, that doesn't mean to be a harlot like the world says is ok... we must flee from sexual immorality... chapter 6: 12-20 covers this..

But again read it all. Best advice I ever was given to all my questions was "READ THE BIBLE"