Dating

[Old_Joe]

Can dating be a part of the discernment process even if the person is unsure if they are called to the married life or the religious life?

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Dating or courtship is the best way besides prayer to determine if someone is called to married life. ;-) Naturally, though, it doesn't help one [i]necessarily[/i] determine if they are called to religious life or priesthood. I would put it this way: dating or courtship help a person discern whether or not they are called to marriage, but if they are not called, that doesn't automatically mean they are called to religious life or priesthood.

When I was in the seminary, we used to joke when we were going to Mass that we were "going out with our girlfriend." Seminary is the main place of discernment for those considering priesthood and is in some sense similar to courting the Church in the context of ministry; likewise, it's reasonable to believe that courtship in the context of romance is the main place of discernment for those considering marriage.

God bless,

Micah