Discernment Self-Test

A tool for evaluating yourself

Examining yourself using the 20 qualities or signs below is a good way to begin discernment of priesthood. On each of the items, rate yourself on a scale of 0 – 5. A rating of 0 means you do not possess the sign at all. A 5 indicates that the sign is very evident in your life. The highest possible score is 100. Be completely honest with yourself and rate yourself fairly.

I love Jesus Christ and I have a thirst to bring Jesus and his teachings to the world.

Question 1

I am endeavoring to be a believing, practicing Catholic Christian.

Question 2

I am trying to live a life of prayer and I desire a life of prayer.

Question 3

I am trying to serve others and I desire a life of service to others.

Question 4

I feel a desire to be a priest, though it is sometimes stronger than at other times.

Question 5

I have had others tell me that I should be a priest or that I would make a good priest.

Question 6

Prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture leads me to believe I might be called to be a priest.

Question 7

I am endeavoring to live virtuously.

Question 8

I like to be around people and I have sufficient social skills to engage others.

Question 9

I have enough intelligence to complete graduate-level coursework and function as a priest.

Question 10

I think that I have the physical, emotional and psychological stability to become a priest.

Question 11

I am joyful and I have a good sense of humor.

Question 12

I think that I have a “priest’s heart."

Question 13

I believe that I have the self-mastery to be a good priest.

Question 14

Generally speaking, I have demonstrated stability in lifestyle.

Question 15

People who know me would say I am a Christian gentleman.

Question 16

I have had events happen in my life that seem to be signs pointing towards priesthood.

Question 17

I am usually able to accept both success and failure without losing my peace.

Question 18

I believe that I have a healthy psycho-sexual development and orientation.

Question 19

I am trying to be truly open to the will of God for my life.

Question 20

Tally your score and e-mail it to the vocation director to ask for his feedback.  In the meantime, try to develop the qualities that need strengthening. This will make you a much better Catholic man, even if you are not called to become a priest.

Background photo by Fr. Corey Bruns.