Discernment Circles

Discernment is a prayerful practice of listening for God’s presence and learning how to respond faithfully. The cathedral offers Discernment Circles for those asking life questions and wanting to engage those questions in community. Life questions could include: “Should I make a career change? When should I retire? Am I being called to marriage? Is God calling me to ministry in the church?” Discernment Circles are available throughout the year as discernment questions emerge. Each circle consists of one discerner and three trained compassionate listeners. The groups meet two or three times in-person to explore a specific discernment question. The process is highly confidential and focuses on inviting deeper awareness of God’s movement.

The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls (rweyls@saintmarks.org)

How to Get Started

Please contact the Rev. Canon Rich Weyls to schedule an in-person or Zoom conversation with you to discuss our approach and determine if a Discernment Circle is a good fit for you at this time. He may also recommend another path such as pastoral counseling or spiritual direction.

A discernment circle could be right for you, if you are:

  • Open to prayer, silence, and reflective conversation
  • Able to discern in an in-person small group in the Seattle area
  • Able to understand that clarity may unfold slowly or remain incomplete
  • Able to understand that listeners will not give advice or solutions