The process of making a decision about your life with the help of the Holy Spirit is called "discernment." It is the process of discovering God's will for you. “Ultimately, our vocation consists in God calling us to consummate loving union with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity.” 

As you begin, remember that both you and God ultimately desire the same thing - your happiness. You want to make a decision about your life that will bring you happiness. Therefore, you and God are not working at cross-purposes, but for the same goal.

Discernment is a gift from God, assisting you in the ability to “come to know, identify or recognize one thing as distinct from something else.” Discernment begins with the ability to ask without fear, “Lord, how can I best serve you?” Only after you are willing to ask this question can true discernment begin.

The best first step in this sometimes difficult process is to follow the words most spoken in the Holy Scripture, “Be not afraid!” Whether it was an angel announcing good news, or Christ speaking to His disciples, setting aside your fear is the fist step. Once you are open to hearing the Lord speak to your heart, a message that will most likely come as a quiet whisper, you will be able to truly discern, figure out, ‘Lord, where are you calling me to serve you in this life?’

Discernment must involve prayer, the willingness to seek out quiet in an otherwise noisy world, a desire to know God’s will for your life, and a love for the Church and all Her members. Discernment is the first step in coming to know if the Lord is calling you to serve him.