November 2011 Family Newsletter
GLOBAL CATHOLIC NETWORK
By Deacon Bill Steltemeier

Dear Family,
I am blessed to have witnessed many young men and women journeying toward the embracing of their vocations, whether that is to priesthood, religious life, or marriage. In each instance, there is a period of intense discernment before embarking on this life journey. Going into the Church, I see them there – kneeling, praying, and pleading with the Lord to make His Will known. Then when the decision is reached, there is usually a look of great relief and assurance, consolation and commitment. It's beautiful to see. And witnessing the discernment of others gives me courage when I face my own discernment process about difficult or weighty decisions in my own life.

As of late there seems to be a lot of books and talks given on how to discern. Mother Angelica has much to say about this discernment practice. Especially at the genesis of EWTN Mother faced decisions of colossal import. Without an education in broadcasting or engineering, she was asked to make decisions on what equipment was needed, who to hire, how to expand, etc.. Mother has many things in her favor when it comes to being a good discerner. First and foremost she prays. Before any decision is reached, or even considered, Mother prays. Then, of course, she knows how to delegate and place around her people whom she trusts and who know what they are doing on a very technical level. Often, though, with an assurance that comes from
the Lord, Mother moves in the direction the Spirit leads her with a confidence that will brook no delay. Explaining this, Mother says: "I've learned that when you deal with God, get out of the way! I think that's the best advice I could offer you. Because He has plans that we wouldn't think of in a million years. You need to just let God do whatever He wants to do; and watch what happens."

On a very practical level, Mother offers the following step by step advice to those who are discerning an important decision in the life:

"How do you evaluate God's Will in your life? I don't think God's Will always makes you feel good. You judge God's Will as follows:

1. Does it violate any of the Commandments? Is it against the precepts of the Church?
2. Will it give God honor and glory?
3. Will it benefit my family and my spiritual life?

That is how you can judge what God's Will is for you. And sometimes we don't have clarity even with that. I would pray more at the point. I would ask Our Lord to give you light. If somehow along the way we miss it, He will make good out of your mistakes. You can depend on that."

Family, in all our decisions we need to try to see where the Lord is present, and how He is leading us. This can only be reached through prayer and good spiritual guidance. Let us pray for one another that we will always live and move with the confidence that is proper to children of God. I love you, Family.

In Jesus and Mary,

Deacon Bill Steltemeier
Chairman of the Board