On Feb. 14, the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular hosted a Morning of Discernment at Holy Spirit Friary. Several young men came to the friary to pray, eat and learn more about the TORs and about religious life. 

The event began with Mass in the friary’s chapel, celebrated by Rev. Jonathan McElhone, TOR, the vocations director on campus and for the order. In his homily, McElhone preached on the self-giving nature of religious life and its similarities to the life of Christ. 

“Religious life is one of generosity,” he preached. “It’s a life of giving ourselves to others, of sacrifice, to be attentive to the needs of others. And maybe that’s part of your own discernment, to be able to explore the desires of your heart not just to be like Jesus, but to represent Him to others.” 

Following Mass, breakfast was served in the friary dining room, where guests and friars shared a meal and casual conversation. After breakfast, Rev. Jonathan St. Andre, TOR gave a talk recounting his discernment and vocation story. 

“When I joined the order,” St. Andre said, “I thought I would discern out. I thought I would get married. But each step of the process, the Lord said, ‘Just go one more step.’ Discernment can be scary, but just take it one step at a time.” 

The event ended with a Q+A segment, in which friars answered the visitors’ questions relating to religious life and discernment. 

“Ask the Lord every morning,” McElhone said in closing, “‘God, what is your plan for my life this day?’ Take what He says in, and respond to the invitation that He offers to you.”