Fr Stefan

The vocations discernment community started last September. The idea was to have something which could act as a bridge towards religious life or priesthood. I was meeting quite a few people in my travels who had a sense of God’s calling but who were either not sure about the specific direction, or who, for various reasons, were not ready to make a formal application. The idea of the community was to have men working in normal jobs or studying, and in the evenings and at weekends they would be involved in some service or discernment process. 

We’ve established a pattern of talks once a week on some topic related to discernment or Christian life. On another evening we have a prayer or discussion group. Currently we go to the 7 pm Thursday prayer meeting at St Augustine’s, Hammersmith. Weekends are generally free, but we have had regular social occasions and also three retreat weekends. The members are encouraged to take part in their parish as readers, Eucharistic ministers etc. One is helping to run the Confirmation group, another is a choir master. 

The common prayer, meals and living together is both enjoyable and challenging. In that process personal change happens. 

The household runs from September to July, to have about a year to focus, and hopefully to make some determination. It’s possible sometimes that a second year might be helpful, but that would be the most someone would stay in the community.  

I decided not to live in the discernment community in order to give them some space. My slight worry was that they might wreck the joint. This didn’t happen. I’ve been very happy the way the community has organised itself. And it has been a pleasure to see how the guys have adapted to community living, and to discerning their calling.

James B

I came into the community three months after it started. It didn't take me too long to find my feet among the variety of lads that comprised the community. It has been an enjoyable experience although the early Morning Prayer, the hour-long commute, a stressful work situation and regular evening vocational input sessions meant a demanding daily schedule. I had a wonderful peace knowing that I was finally where God wanted me, and I love living in a house where The Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the oratory downstairs. The community is a gentle place, and suits my personality as there is no pressure to go one way or another. The aim of the year is simply to help me find where God is calling me: religious life, diocesan priesthood or to a lat calling. I would warmly recommend a year's discernment in this community to anyone.

James S

I left my job and flat in Germany to come to the community in November. When I entered the house for the first time, I felt a sense of peace and calm here. I had already been informed about the 'house rules' as well as the responsibilities and expectations of community members; therefore nothing really came as a surprise. From the outset I have found communal morning and evening prayer especially beneficial. I feel that Morning Prayer helps me to focus on the day ahead and gives me the motivation to strive and do my best. The communal meal is also a positive and pleasant experience, and gives us a valuable opportunity to share our experiences. The regular house Masses we have are also very beneficial.

Since joining the community I have grown as a person, and in my ability to live with others. It has also helped me with my job which can be quite stressful at times. I teach English to 15 - 18 year olds, the majority of whom are asylum seekers and refugees, and many of whom have experienced atrocities in their home countries.

I felt led to come here, and am happy to see where God is calling me next.

Mark

My time in the Discernment Community has helped me grow through taking up the various responsibilities within the house. Although it has been a struggle at times - for instance in dealing with the different personalities, it has been an enjoyable and positive experience, and I feel that I am learning all the time. The experience of living together has enabled me to get a better feeling for what it would be like if I were to join a Religious Order. Also the common prayer, group talks, and community activities have all contributed to me getting a better idea of God's calling.

Jeff

It was whilst thinking about vocation that I kept stumbling across advertisements for the Discernment Community in Hammersmith - it seemed that God was trying to tell me something! For five very different people to share a home could be a difficult experience, but a common faith and purpose has overcome any minor problems. Indeed, we have grown together as we have shared prayer and worship, faith and discernment. Sharing has been the key to the whole experience, as discerning a vocation is a reciprocal process, a giving of the self to God and others, with great gifts of support, growth and understanding given in return. The year has been an enormous and positive help to me, creating a focused and prayerful space in which to further explore my faith, whilst discerning God's will for my life. We have received tremendous help and support from visiting guests and speakers, retreats and study, from the Augustinian Friars, and most especially from each other.

JP

I found the community after finally deciding to do something about the calling I felt I had for the last few years. I e-mailed the vocations director for Westminster Diocese and a number of Religious Orders and it was then that I heard about the community. Geographically it wasn't too big a jump, as I was living in west London at the time, and the initial apprehensions were quickly dispelled once I had moved in and got to know my fellow discerners. The main joy of discovery for me since coming here, is finding a real sense of Christian community both within the house and out. Before I came to the community I attended Mass almost daily, been on several pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome etc., and had a reasonably healthy appetite for scripture and theology, but, I had one major thing missing: Christian fellowship. Although I have quite a large circle of friends from uni, work & play, I had never really pursued an active role within the Church and wider Catholic/Christian community. This has given me a far better sense of my vocation in life and how to pursue it. There have been many other great blessings and memories that I will take with me from the community, and I would encourage others to come here and experience it for themselves.