Franciscan Penance Library
Discern a Penitent Vocation -- Questions for Living a Life of Penance (Conversion)
How do you know if God might be calling you to live a life of penance (conversion)? Why would you do penance (seek to be more converted to God)? Is there a way to discern whether you should become a penitent (a person more converted to God's ways of doing things)?
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Here are some questions to help discern whether or not you, whether married or single, have a vocation, that is a calling from God, to become a penitent:
Are you a Roman Catholic lay person who is looking for more in life?
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Do you want to follow Christ more closely with others who want the same goals as you?
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Do you believe that living a religious Rule of Life in your own home might be a good way to obtain self-discipline and greater spiritual growth?
Two life pledged members of the Confraternity of Penitents at a CFP Retreat
Are you willing to do penance every day in what and when and how you pray, what and how much you eat, what you wear, how you respond to the needs of others?
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Are you willing to subject your own desires to a proven penitential Rule of Life that will cause you to make sacrifices every day in the areas of prayer, food, dress, and works of mercy, sacrifices and penances that will bring you into a closer union with God?
Might your goal in the spiritual life be similar to one of these?
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Being at peace.
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Growing closer to God.
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Surrendering to God.
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Becoming holier.
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Becoming the person God created you to be.
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Experiencing life to the full
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Bringing a lifestyle of conversion into the marketplace of the world.
Pledged and privately vowed member of the Confraternity of Penitents in his role as a Country Line Dance Instructor
Are you concerned about:
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Getting to heaven.
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Doing God’s Will.
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Helping others to know about God’s love.
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Helping others get to heaven.
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Loving God better.
Life pledged and privately vowed member of the Confraternity of Penitents pictured above doing a Country Line Dance leap, here in this photo signing his private vow
How do I surrender to God?
How do I do God's Will ?
How can I do penance ?
How can I become holy ?
How can I know what God wants for me?
Confraternity of Penitents members with Father David Engo, FBM
How can I get to know God better?
Where can I find other Catholics who want to follow God more closely?
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How can I get more discipline in my spiritual life?
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Where can I find a Rule of Life to live in my own home that will help me achieve holiness?
The Confraternity of Penitents offers such a Rule of Life and is dedicated to achieving the goals you seek.
Confraternity of Penitents' members with Bishop Kevin Rhoades at blessing of CFP headquarters in Fort Wayne IN
Please consult the following links for additional information on discerning a vocation to a life of penance (conversion) through the living of the Rule of Life of the Confraternity of Penitents:
How Can A Rule of Life Foster Holiness