DISCERNINGA YEAR OF SERVICE
Welcome! This page provides guidance for those discerning whether a year of service is right for them. Discerning something as meaningful as this isn’t just about comparing programs side by side or focusing on logistics. Yes, those details matter, but this page is meant to offer something deeper. It’s about prayerfully listening to where God may be calling and opening one’s heart to what lies ahead. This is a time to pause, reflect, pray, and ask: Lord, where are you leading me? Who are you calling me to become?
Whether someone feels clear or unsure, there’s no pressure, no rush, and no perfect answer. This page is here to encourage and support each person in their discernment journey.
Keep scrolling to begin or jump to the section that speaks most to where you are right now.
Discernment Prayers
The Prayer before the Crucifix
by St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me, true faith,
certain hope, perfect charity,
sense and knowledge, Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.
Amen.
Prayer For Discernment by Thomas Merton
O Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going,
I do not see the road ahead of me,
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
And that fact that I think
I am following Your will
Does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe
That the desire to please You
Does in fact please You.
And I hope I have that desire
In all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything
Apart from that desire to please You.
And I know that if I do this
You will lead me by the right road,
Though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust You always
Though I may seem to be lost
And in the shadow of death.
I will not fear,
For You are ever with me,
And You will never leave me
To make my journey alone.
Amen.
Questions for Reflection to Bring to Prayer
Overall
Why am I considering a year of service at this point in my life? How do I feel about doing a year of service? What do I hope to gain or grow in during a year of service? Am I open to being challenged or stretched outside my comfort zone? What fears or hesitations do I have about committing to a year of service?
A Service Perspective
What draws me to serving others? What kind of service feels life-giving or fulfilling to me (working with youth, the elderly, those experiencing food or housing insecurity, etc.)? Am I willing to serve in a way that prioritizes the needs of others over my preferences? How do I handle working with people from different backgrounds or beliefs? Am I capable to do so? Am I prepared to serve in a way that will challenge me?
A Community Perspective
What does “intentional community” mean to me? Why am I drawn (or hesitant) to live in community as part of a service year? Am I open to living in intentional community with others? Am I willing to be vulnerable during community living? What do I need from community that will help in my faith life?
A Faith Perspective
How does my faith or spiritual journey influence this decision? Am I seeking a deeper relationship with God through service? Do I feel God is calling me toward this opportunity? If so, how? What role do prayer and discernment play in my decision-making? Am I truly open to whatever God wants, or am I only open to certain outcomes? When I pray about this year of service, what emotions come up?
Why a year of service?
During college, I devoted myself to part-time service opportunities while balancing full-time studies. I became passionate about these service roles and, in my senior year, I realized that I wanted to invest in a year of full-time service before jumping into graduate school applications. I wanted to pursue a career that involved supporting underserved communities and addressing inequities in social services—so I knew that I needed to build the direct service skills and knowledge to understand the systems in place. A year of service was honestly the best thing I did to prepare myself for my future career as a social worker.
Chloe Alviz – FC25
Choosing to do a year of service is one that takes time to decide if it is truly something that is right for you. In my experience, I had friends who graduated ahead of me who were doing these types of programs. They were always people I admired, so when the opportunity came for me to begin the discernment of a year of service it almost felt like a no brainer. I knew I wanted to do something different my first year post-grad and I was ready to dive further into figuring out who I am and my place in the world. A year of service has the potential to give you that exact opportunity if you’re willing.
Daisy Fanter – FC 26
I did a year of service to: grow in faith and character, gain experience with people of very different backgrounds than myself to broaden my perspective, and take a break from school before pursuing my Master’s. As I lived through the year, I saw growth in myself that wasn’t apparent. A year of service will set you up to succeed in the most important part of a future job, serving others. Whether clients you support or a family you provide for, how you serve is just as important as what you do. As a computer engineer who did a year of service unrelated to technology, I can confidently say the year helped me grow in many ways that will allow me to make a positive impact in future roles.
Aidan Reichenberg – FC 26
Inviting Loved Ones Into The Discernment Journey
Saying “yes” to a year of service is one that’s often deeply personal and for many, unfamiliar to those around them. It’s not a path everyone takes, which can make it difficult to explain. The tips below offer things to keep in mind when sharing this decision with loved ones, helping them better understand what the experience means and why someone may feel called to it.
8 Tips To Consider When Talking With Others
A quick note: not all of these tips apply to everyone as each person has a unique relationship with their loved ones
1. Know and begin with the why
Share what’s drawing you to a year of service: your desire to grow, serve others, live in community, or deepen your faith. Let them hear the heart behind your decision. This helps them see it as thoughtful and intentional.
2. Acknowledge their concerns
Your loved ones might worry about finances, safety, or your future. Let them know you’ve considered those things and reassure them this isn’t a decision you’ve made lightly.
3. Frame it as a step forward
This isn’t a year off, it’s a year on, filled with growth, learning, and clarity. You’ll gain valuable life and career skills while discerning what comes next. Emphasize how this year will shape your future, not delay it.
4. Invite them into the journey
Let them know you value their support and want them to be part of this chapter. Ask for their prayers, encouragement, or help with practical steps. Reassure them that you’ll stay in touch during year.
5. Share stories and examples
Help your loved ones get a better feel for what this looks like. Show them a program’s website, social media, or stories from past volunteers. Seeing real examples can make the experience easier to understand and relate to.
6. Respect their perspective
Even if they don’t fully understand or initially agree, their reaction often comes from a place of care and concern. Showing them respect for their point of view will help keep the conversation going.
7. Keep the conversation going
A single conversation is rarely enough to fully communicate why. This doesn’t have to be one big talk, treat it as an ongoing dialogue. Invite them to continue to ask questions and learn more as you move through your discernment.
8. Be Prepared with FAQs
They will have questions, so preparing for what they might ask will help you explain your path more clearly and confidently. Don’t know where to start? Click the button below.
What happens if my loved ones still don’t understand but I still feel called?
It’s natural that not everyone will fully understand your call to a year of service, especially when it looks different from the plans your loved ones may have imagined for you. You are not the first to face this, as many who have felt called before you have wrestled with similar concerns. Choosing this path is a step of faith, and sometimes that means moving forward even when others can’t yet see what you see. Over time, many come to understand once they see the joy, growth, and peace the experience brings to you.
Ultimately, your call is between you and God. If you feel strongly that this is where God is inviting you, trust that He will provide the strength and courage you need even if not everyone is on board right away.
What Can I Do Next?
1. Research programs
Begin by exploring different opportunities, there are so many options out there! Pay attention to their mission, values, and what daily life is like. Don’t forget to check out their social media. The Catholic Volunteer Network Website is a great place to start.
2. Check out FrancisCorps
Start here with FrancisCorps, where our mission is Gospel service. The FrancisCorps experience is not one of prayer, service, or community at any one given time, but an experience of prayer, service, and community at all times!
3. Connect with a program
If there are programs that catch your attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Schedule a one-on-one call to ask specific questions about logistics and anything else you’re wondering about!
4. Hear from alumni
There may be shared stories or blogs online and some programs can connect you directly to alumni. Hearing from someone who’s been there can help you imagine the experience and allow you to feel more confident in your next steps.
5. Compare programs
As you continue to discern a year of service, you will need to begin to consider the similarities and differences between what different programs offer. To that end, we have created a guide to help you as you consider different programs.
6. Start the application
Even if you’re still discerning, starting an application can help you reflect more deeply. Sometimes, simply sitting with the application can offer you some unexpected clarity and insight.
Some Final Thoughts
Discerning a year of service takes heart, courage, and trust. Whether you’re excited, unsure, or somewhere in between, that’s okay, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Simply exploring this path is already a meaningful step.
Keep asking questions, noticing what stirs within your heart, and listening to where you feel called. Discernment is a journey, not a race, and you’re not alone. FrancisCorps is here to walk with you. Trust that God is already at work and will continue to guide you forward.
