1. Chapter 2: Choices and Commitments
“You did not choose Me;
I chose you!”
John 15: 16

2. Holy Spirit of God, what should I do with the rest of my life
Holy Spirit of God, what should I do with the rest of my life? How can I know what paths I should follow? I don’t want to make mistakes I’ll regret. I want to do good with my life. I want to find true happiness and help others be happy. Give me the wisdom and courage to shape my life in ways that always leads me closer to others and to you. Thank you for the talents and abilities you’ve given me. Help me choose the path in life where I can use my gifts best. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Schema Ministry – commitment to service Discernment Values
Why is faithfulness important?
Reality
Vocation vs. Avocation
Choosing your career path
Living on your own

4. Outcomes
Understand better the nature and meaning of ministry within your vocation in life and the importance of structuring your lifestyle according to proper values and priorities
Learn a process that can help you discern your future occupation
Have a fuller, more realistic awareness and understanding of the practical skills and responsibilities involved in living on your own
Become better able to incorporate these skills into your life now

5. With a partner…
What does a successful person look like?

6. Discerning Life Choices
Based on self-knowledge
A life-long process
Abilities, skills, activities, relationships
Nothing magical about it!
Give yourself enough time.
Use the process of discernment

7. “Lord, let me know myself, let me know YOU!” (St. Augustine)
The discernment process is a centuries’ old practice in the Christian tradition.

8. Step 1 Explore your opportunities.
Gather information about the possibilities for you.
Seek what is good and true.

9. Step 2 Seek direction. Scripture, your own convictions.
Pray to God for guidance.

10. Step 3 Ask for advice. Seek out wise and trusted persons.
Pick out a few people that you can confide in and rely on for good, solid insights.

11. Step 4 Look at pro’s and con’s
Look at your needs, abilities, experiences, and relationships
What does this life choice require of you?
What are the possibilities and opportunities it offers you?

12. Finally… Choose your path freely and deliberately.
Never enter into a life choice because of pressure.
Listen to your heart!
Discover how YOU can best love.

13. Lifestyle
How you structure your life according to your values and priorities.
Which lifestyle are you drawn to?
What’s really important in your life?
What do you value more? Things? Status? Prestige? People?

14. Seeking Humility, Simplicity and Silence
Live simply!
Take a few minutes, find your own space and read the handout from
Seeking Humility, Simplicity and Silence

15. What do YOU need to be happy?
PHYSICAL
SELF-ESTEEM
COMPANIONSHIP/ INTIMACY
SELF-ACTUALIZATION
Physical comfort/security
Psychological health/balance
Emotional/spiritual well-being
Realization of your potential

16. What does it take to remain faithful?
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Using one’s will power to control one’s thoughts, desires, emotions, or behavior
Self-restraint
GRATIFICATION
Satisfying needs or desires, especially for what is pleasurable
Not necessarily sexual

17. To God there is nothing small. The moment we have given it to God
It becomes infinite.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta

18. Job
What’s the difference?
Occupation
Career

19. Choosing a Career Tips:
Start thinking about what you’d be successful at and enjoy doing.
Consider your options.
Be flexible and eager to learn!
Build on your own knowledge and experience.
Follow your heart.
Know what your gifts are and then share them!

20. Welcome to the “real world”!
What/who controls YOU?
Material things should help you live your values and attain your goals.
They should not control your life!

21. “Survival 101”
To survive financially, you need to create and adhere to a budget.
Your take-home pay
Your main living expenses
Occasional living expenses
Unexpected expenses
Monthly allowance for “fun stuff”
Regular savings for something you want to buy

22. Test Yourself! Take a moment to complete the inventory on p. 34
“Are you a tightwad or a spendthrift?

23. “If I could save time in a bottle…” Jim Croce
Make a “to do” list
Prioritize
Don’t procrastinate!
Focus
Know yourself
Self-affirmation
Keeps you organized and calms your mind
Tackle important things first.
Things to do don’t go away!
One thing at a time!
Make tasks less boring
Give yourself a reward!

24. Time and Spirituality
Make time to regain your sense of inner peace, stability, strength, hope, direction.
Eucharist and Reconciliation renew us in strength, hope, healing, and forgiveness.
Time is the “money” God gives us to spend on creating our life!