A Living Sacrifice: Guidance for Men Discerning Religious Life

by Fr. Benedict Croell O.P.

ROADMAP TO RELIGIOUS LIFEA Living Sacrifice is a comprehensive guide for men who are discerning God's call. It serves as both an introduction to religious life as well as a guide for discerning vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.With clear language, engaging examples, and solid theology, the book tackles the big "Should I date while discerning?" "Should I be a diocesan priest or a religious brother?" "What community should I join?" "What should I expect during formation?" "What is religious life anyway?" and "How do I know for sure if I'm being called?"A Living Sacrifice offers a solid alternative to "cyber discernment" by addressing men's most common questions in a single volume. Perfect to bring into the chapel to spark a heart-to-heart conversation with Christ. WISDOM FROM EXPERIENCECo-author Fr. Benedict Croell has been called the most successful religious vocation director in America, with over 100 men entering his community during his time of service. (He is now assigned to The Angelicum in Rome.) Co-author Fr. Andrew Hofer oversaw the initial formation of new brothers, and offers both real-life insights and a solid theological foundation. Together, they amass their considerable experience to provide reliable advice during every stage of vocational discernment. FOR MEN DISCERNING ALL FORMS OF RELIGIOUS LIFEImportantly, A Living Sacrifice includes an overview of most forms of religious life in the U.S., as well as contributions from priests and brothers in many different communities, such as the Franciscans, Jesuits, Holy Cross, Norbertines, and many more. While authored by Dominican priests, the book is deliberately written for men discerning any religious community.

301 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2019

Reviews

[Sean Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by two Dominicans so lots of Summa references which was cool

[Jose Luis]

So, I haven't read the entire thing in one sitting, but my assessment is that this is a great discernment guide, and there are certain sections you will come back to and that will be insightful throughout your discernment. I especially liked the section on prudence.

Fr. Benedict has an aggressive and challenging tone sometimes, but it is welcome because we are men who are trying to figure out our life and grappling with God's will. This is serious stuff and sometimes we just need that push, if that makes any sense.

He reminds me of my voice teacher in college that would sometimes give me a hard time during rehearsals and lessons to get me to perform better. You need that sharpening iron sometimes, and you either cave-in to to the pressure and feel terrible about yourself, or you toughen up and take things seriously and make an action plan.

[Alejo Seañez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Benedict truly knows how to poke the soul of a young man to ask the difficult and tough questions that are necessary for a discernment.
If you are in need of a guide on “how to” discern religious life, this is it.

[Brentt Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and practical. This book is an essential reading for anyone who is discerning!