Things to Consider When Discerning a Community

During 2021, my family and I relocated to the San Gabriel Region. One of the challenges we had, was to discern our next home parish and the ministries we would participate in. Here are some things we considered in discerning our next parish:
 

1. Pray and Reflect on your needs
2. Explore different parish communities
3. Mission, Vision and Offerings
4. Sharing your gifts
5. Pray, Discern, Try

Pray and Reflect on your needs

 As you begin this process of discerning for a new community, take time to sit in prayerful reflection.  Invite Jesus to be with you as you think about what you are in need of and where you are being called to at this time. Taking time to reflect and pray encourages you to take an honest look at your life and what you might be searching for in your spiritual and religious life. Some questions to consider might be: What are you looking for in a parish community? A new place due to re-location, a Young Adult friendly community, a new place to search and learn more about your faith?  A place for sacramental preparation and community? A community that is family friendly?

Explore different parish communities
During the pandemic, we got a chance to virtually participate in many Liturgies and faith experiences near and far. We also had the opportunity to look through webpages, social media accounts to see what parishes and communities were doing to keep in contact and minister to their faithful. We were able to "visit" and get a feel for the community. Some questions we consider while browsing webpages were: Could we see ourselves in this community? What time are Liturgies available? Is there Eucharistic Adoration? Do they offer on-going Faith Formation? 

Mission, Vision and Offerings
Although all parishes share the Mission of Evangelize, we wanted to find a community that would explicitly support us in living out our baptismal call as a family. Consider these questions: 
What is this parish or community’s vision and mission? What would you say they value? Do the ministries and outreach align with their mission and vision? Do you see a ministry that meets your needs? Are there diverse offerings of ministries and offerings that fit my schedule?  Can I see myself intentionally and reasonably committing to the parish and their offerings?

Sharing your gifts
In our call to be Missionary Discicples, we are called to share our God-given gifts with the world. How do you see yourself being a part of this community? Where would you be inclined to share your gifts, talents, and times with the community?

Pray, Discern, Try
Take time to pray and  reflect on all that you have experienced during your time of search. Ask the Holy Spiriit to guide you in making a decision and go for it. Attend Mass, fellowship opportunities, small-prayer groups or faith sharing communities.  Remember to be open and note what this new stage in your faith journey is bringing up! 

Blessings on the journey!