Journeys of Discernment

Slow paths to sacred callings.

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The path to ordained religious leadership in different traditions is a high-stakes journey of mutual discernment between an individual and a spiritual community. Examining these years-long journeys of time, texts, and teachers can illuminate our own discernment paths.

Jesuit priest

Sacred texts: Bible, writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola and other Masters
Other readings: Jesuit Constitutions, broad range of theology and other disciplines
Activities: Pastoral, spiritual, academic, and social ministries

2 years

Novitiate

Make the thirty-day Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Take perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, obedience

3 years

First studies

Graduate studies in humanities, philosophy, and theology

3 years

Regency

Active ministry, teaching at a high school or university or serving in social ministries

3 years

Theological studies

Further study of theology, culminating in ordination as a priest, sometimes followed by graduate studies

Ordination

Enter into ministry as a priest

Several months

Tertianship

A final period of spiritual renewal formation, repeating the thirty-day spiritual exercises

3–5 years

Final vows

Taken three to five years after ordination, sealing the first vows

Carmelite nun

Sacred texts: Bible, Carmelite Rule
Other readings: Works of Carmelite saints (e.g., Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross)
Activities: Liturgy of the Hours, contemplative prayer, community life

1–2 years

Candidacy

Discernment and introduction to Carmelite life, lives with community as a visitor

6–12 months

Postulancy

Deeper immersion in community life, formally move in

2 years

Novitiate

Deepening prayer and study of Carmelite spirituality, wear habit, and take names-in-religion

6 years

First profession

Take first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, with continual renewal until final vows. Continued formation and ministry

Perpetual profession

Final commitment to religious life, make lifelong vows

FORMALITY AND HIERARCHY

While Catholic ordination is highly standardized, other traditions are more flexible and rely on individual discretion or completed education, reflecting overall differences in rigidity and hierarchy within religious institutions.

Jewish rabbi

Sacred texts: Torah, Talmud, Midrash
Other readings: Rabbinic commentaries, Jewish philosophy, contemporary Jewish thought
Activities: Leading services, Torah study, pastoral work

4 years

Preparatory studies

Complete bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies, philosophy, or related field. Study Hebrew, Jewish texts, and commentaries at Yeshiva (Jewish school)

5–6 years

Rabbinical school

Commonly spend a year studying in Israel. Deeper study of Torah, Talmud, and Jewish law, Hebrew language, Jewish history, philosophy, theology. Practical rabbinics include pastoral counseling, lifecycle events. May include an internship with hands-on experience in a congregation as a student rabbi

Receive Smicha

Full ordination as a rabbi

Lifelong learning

Begin career as an assistant rabbi or teacher, continue lifelong process of learning and formation

Imam (Sunni)

Sacred texts: Quran, Hadith collections
Other readings: Works of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and ethics
Activities: Leading prayers, delivering sermons, community outreach

Undefined

Preparation

Begin study of the Quran and Arabic

4 years

Undergraduate studies

Complete bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies, philosophy, or related field. Take community leadership roles in Islamic organizations

4 years

Islamic graduate studies/seminary

Often attend schools overseas. Advanced Islamic studies include Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith, Tafsir (Quranic exegesis). Many imams also pursue and earn degrees in second careers (lawyer, doctor, engineer)

Undefined

Gain practical experience

Internships at mosques, become assistant imam or youth director

ROLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Rabbis and Sunni imams serve as religious teachers and community leaders. Their authority is rooted in knowledge rather than divine power. Catholic priests have the added role of intermediary between man and God, giving them unique sacramental powers such as celebrating the Eucharist and absolving sins. Zen Buddhist priests are somewhere in between, like rabbis lacking sacra-mental powers, but like Catholic priests and nuns taking ethical vows, minus the vow of celibacy. Nuns do not serve a lay congregation, but live a life of prayer, contemplation, and service.

Zen Buddhist priest

Sacred texts: Buddhist sutras
Other readings: Zen koans, writings of Zen masters
Activities: Zazen (meditation), work practice, ritual ceremonies

1–2 years

Preparation

Formally become a Buddhist. Receive the sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts, the guiding principles of the Buddhist spiritual path

1–2 years

Postulancy

Period of intense training and mutual discernment with Sangha (community), committing to a teacher and attending retreats

3–5 years

Novice ordination

Receive robes. Candidate commits to several years of intensified ritual and residential training, minimizing external commitments and obligations

Priest ordination

Priests receive robes, take vows, are allowed to perform ceremonies, teach laity, and lead meditations with supervision by senior priests

5+ years

Zen teacher

Formally receive the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), take on students, ordain and transmit the Dharma to other priests

Date:
- June 5, 2025
Theme:
- Discernment

Louis Kim

Louis Kim is a technology executive, as well as a contributing editor and essayist at Comment.
BIO
Maxim Kim

Maxim Kim is a graduate of Reed College. His published research focuses on the relationship between belonging and learning outcomes.
BIO

Journeys of Discernment

Journeys of Discernment

Louis Kim

Maxim Kim

Journeys of Discernment

Slow paths to sacred callings.

T

Jesuit priest

Carmelite nun

Jewish rabbi

Imam (Sunni)

Zen Buddhist priest

Louis Kim

Maxim Kim

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Journeys of Discernment

Slow paths to sacred callings.

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Jesuit priest

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Jewish rabbi

Imam (Sunni)

Zen Buddhist priest

Louis Kim

Maxim Kim

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