Discernment Do’s and Don’ts – A practical guide to Vocational Discernment by Fr George Elliot

Overview

Fr. George Elliott’s “Discernment Dos and Don’ts” is a concise and highly practical guide for individuals discerning their vocation, whether it be priesthood, religious life, marriage, or single life. Written with clarity and accessibility, the book draws from both spiritual tradition and practical insights to provide readers with actionable advice for navigating the discernment process.

Structure and Content

The book is organised into two key parts:

1. “The Dos” – Positive actions and attitudes one should cultivate to discern God’s call effectively.
2. “The Don’ts” – Pitfalls and misconceptions to avoid during discernment.

Each chapter is short and to the point, making it easy for young Catholics or those new to discernment to absorb the material.

Key Themes

1. The Importance of Prayer and Sacraments

• Fr. Elliott emphasises that discernment cannot happen outside of a robust prayer life.
• Regular participation in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, provides grace and clarity.

Key Advice:
“Stay close to the sacraments, and you will stay close to Christ’s voice.”

2. Seeking Spiritual Guidance

• A crucial ‘Do’ is seeking out a spiritual director or mentor. Fr. Elliott stresses the importance of having an objective, prayerful person who can help you navigate the discernment journey.

Pitfall Highlighted:
Don’t go it alone. Discernment without guidance often leads to self-deception or unnecessary confusion.

3. Action and Trust in God

• Discernment involves prayer but must also lead to action. Fr. Elliott encourages readers to trust that God will reveal His will in due time, often through circumstances and decisions made in good faith.

Example from the Book:
“God often speaks through our daily duties and responsibilities. If you’re at peace and in grace, take the next step.”

4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Some common “Don’ts” include:
  • Overthinking or Waiting for Perfection: Discernment is not about achieving certainty but trusting God through imperfect steps.
  • Confusing Emotion for God’s Will: Fr. Elliott points out that while emotions can accompany discernment, they are not its sole measure.
  • Becoming Distracted by the World: He cautions against excessive busyness, noise, or media consumption, which clouds God’s voice.

Strengths of the Book

1. Practicality – The book avoids abstract theology and instead offers clear, actionable guidance.
2. Brevity – Fr. Elliott keeps the chapters concise and focused, making the book suitable for busy young adults.
3. Relatability – Written in a straightforward and conversational style, it resonates with young Catholics who may feel overwhelmed by discernment.

Limitations

• Some readers might wish for more personal anecdotes or detailed examples of discernment journeys.
• The focus is primarily on vocational discernment (priesthood, religious life, marriage) and less on broader life decisions within one’s vocation.

Who Would Benefit From This Book?

• Young Catholics discerning their primary vocation.
• Parish groups or youth ministries looking for a practical resource.
• Individuals struggling with indecision or spiritual confusion.

Conclusion

“Discernment Dos and Don’ts” by Fr. George Elliott is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to discern God’s call in their life. Grounded in Catholic spirituality and practical wisdom, it strikes the right balance between prayer, action, and trust. While concise, the book offers timeless insights and avoids overly complicated jargon, making it particularly helpful for young adults.

Discernment Do’s and Don’ts can be bought via Kindle or for the paperback via Amazon (Note paperback has be sent from USA)