An invitation to discern God’s will for your life.
What is the 99 Day Novena?
Bold, bright and unlike anything you’ve seen before, the 99 Day Novena draws on the treasures of Catholic spirituality - both old and new - to capture your imagination and launch you on the adventure of discernment. Ordinarily a novena is a prayer repeated for nine consecutive days. Usually it involves a particular petition or a request for God’s help or guidance. This is a variation on that traditional format.
The 99 Day Novena is a program of prayer and so much more. It’s a transformative personalized journey for Catholics discerning a vocation to religious life or priesthood. Together with a Discernment Advisor of your choosing, you’ll use the innovative images and allegories provided in the daily meditations to open up a conversation with God about your particular call. Each day features a four page meditation along with a workbook section for personal application.
What can I expect by the end?
Results will vary. At the end of the Novena, some find clarity and direction. Others simply narrow down their options which can be a great help. Most, we find, arrive at a good next step along with tools and a reliable roadmap for what lies ahead. Every vocation is a gift and a mystery. The Novena helps you hear, but the timing belongs to God.
Is this right for me?
Is the Lord inviting you to take this personal journey of discovery? There’s a helpful first step. A nine day introductory novena gives you a sample of the style and a way to prayerfully decide what’s right for you.
Other common questions
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The 99 Day Novena is faithful to the Church's magisterium. While we offer new modes in communicating the faith, we believe and proclaim that the Roman Catholic Church, in her doctrines, councils and pastors, teaches with the mind of Christ. The Novena draws from the richness of Catholic tradition both old and new, especially from the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the writings of our most recent popes.
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A typical day’s meditation and workbook application takes between half an hour and forty-five minutes, depending on your pace and style. If you find a particular day going long, you can continue it the following day and adjust subsequent meditations accordingly. Don’t rush, especially if God is speaking to you at a particular stage.
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We encourage consistency but understand that life is messy. There is nothing “magic” about 99 days; no guaranteed results based on doing it “just right.” Your own honesty, transparency and commitment are really the keys. If unplanned interruptions disrupt or delay the completion of your Novena journey, discuss with your advisor how to proceed.
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The Discernment Advisor is someone you approach – a spiritual mentor you trust and feel comfortable to walk with you through the 99 Days. The introductory material on the Get Started page gives help for finding the right guide.
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There are a variety of guides that help Catholics answer questions about dating and marriage. This Novena addresses the question of a celibate vocation because it is less familiar to most young people.
If all that sounds good to you, what do you think? It might just be time to