The Discernment Journey...How You Can Help

Are you a relative, campus minister, mentor, spiritual director—or perhaps someone in another role—journeying with a young adult who is discerning whether to spend a post graduate year in service to others?

Young adults discerning a year of service commitment are considering something very counter-cultural. These young people are exploring how their education, passion, and core beliefs might be best used in service to our world. They might not be certain what they want to do next, but know that they don't want to just take a "year off" or enter a field of study or work that does not match their skills and vocation. They might simply find, they are ready to explore matching their passion to the world's needs!

A year of service is not paid work, but is rooted in gaining work experience, building professional skills, networking, and applying their lifelong formation as people of service to others. Although unpaid, many formative and financial benefits are included. 

Families, mentors, and friends want to be good sources of wisdom when asked for advice, yet also acknowledge that young adults must, in the end, determine the next step on their journey.

To help a young adult discern, important considerations when looking for a year of service program include:

*Length of commitment
*Faith-based or secular
*Type of community (recent college grads, lay persons, intergenerational)
*Urban vs. Rural
*Job options available (mentoring, organizing, environmental, campus ministry, etc.)
*Size of the program
*Support structure (local coordinator, mentors, spiritual guides, etc.)
*Financial support (living stipend, room and board, healthcare, etc.)
*Application process and deadlines

As someone walking with a discerning young adult, know that some college graduates have support and encouragement from loved ones about volunteering, while some experience indifference or even opposition to the concept. It is important not to dismiss loved ones' opinions, but talk with the important people in your life about the reasoning behind decisions. Family and friends likely will not make the decision for the discerning young adult, but they can and should be part of the process.

In order to be better prepared to discuss a college graduate’s discernment with regard to serving in the Marianist PULSE program for a year, we have compiled links to some helpful articles. (see links below)

Marianist PULSE is sponsored by the Society of Mary and supported by the Marianist Family. The same charism that enlivens Marianist retreat centers, schools, parishes and other ministries support the Marianist PULSE volunteers on their journey. 

Benefits of Marianist PULSE include: 

- Professional Development and Spiritual Formation

- Room and Board

- Monthly Living Stipend

- Healthcare

- Local Transportation

- Travel to the Program Location

- Assistance with Loan Deferment
-End of Service payment of $5,000 (pre-tax) 

We are glad to connect you with PULSE alumni and partners by simply sending us an email at PULSE@marianist.us. And, know of our prayers for all young people discerning next steps!

Gap Year After High School or College Graduation
Another Option for New High School and College Graduates
https://www.thebalance.com/taking-a-gap-year-after-graduation-1986832

Do you really need to get a job right after you graduate?
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/do-you-really-need-a-job-after-you-graduate

A Church In The Streets
Six 20-somethings in D.C. will give up many comforts of modern life for a year to serve the sick and the poor, a nod to the pope’s teachings
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2015/09/15/these-kids-took-a-detour-off-the-career-path-to-live-the-jesuit-values/?utm_term=.82ebddcab6d0