D180 for Women

Discernment 180 for Women is a six-month program designed to help Catholic women discern the consecrated life and find peace in their vocational journey, no matter whether God is calling them. With a rule of life, daily reflections, and effective discernment actions, D180 helps women give God time and space to listen for His call and follow where He leads.

The Problem with Vague Discernment

Vague "openness" to the consecrated life here and there is not adequate to the task of vocational discernment. But thinking about it for years and years is also ineffective. Someone might read a book here, attend a retreat there, but without a clear plan, these actions often lack the focus needed to truly bear fruit. Discernment 180 moves women out of a vague openness and provides a concrete, intentional framework that combines the best, proven spiritual practices into a single, cohesive program.

What's Included in Discernment 180?

The program is built around three core components:
A Six-Month Rule of Life: This foundational element helps you grow in holiness by establishing a consistent rhythm of prayer, daily Mass, spiritual reading, and spiritual direction in your daily life.
Daily Reflections: For 180 days, you will engage with St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life," Sacred Scripture, the discernment of spirits, and the beauty of the consecrated life. These reflections are designed to focus your prayer and guide you toward a deeper understanding of God's call.
Four Discernment Actions: To complement your daily practice, the program guides you through four key actions that have been recommended by spiritual and vocation directors for years:
Attending a discernment retreat.
Visiting a convent or religious community.
Committing to a dating fast.
Meeting with a spiritual director.
By integrating these practices into one intentional period, Discernment 180 helps you move past openness and into effective action.

Find Peace, Clarity, and Freedom

Discernment 180 isn't for women who are certain about the consecrated life. It's for any woman who wants to get serious about her vocation. Whether you feel stuck, have never considered religious life, or are ready to get out of your head and start discerning in a structured way, this guide is for you.

Written by Fr. Greg Gerhart, Discernment 180 is a companion to the book of the same name. Women who have completed the program have found peace and freedom. Some moved toward marriage; others discovered a newfound zeal for following the Lord in consecrated life. All have been drawn closer to Christ—the only one who can answer the question, "How do you want me to follow you, Jesus?"

Are you ready to rise to the occasion and listen for God's call?