Diocese of West Texas Hosts First Discovery Weekend

Discovery Weekend Participants Explore Paths of Discernment
by the Venerable Mike Besson, Archdeacon of the Diocese of West Texas

On November 14^th-15^th, 2025, 39 lay persons from across the Diocese joined our Bishops and 15 lay and clergy faculty members at the Bishop Jones Center in San Antonio for the first Discovery Weekend in the Diocese of West Texas.  The purpose of the weekend was for participants to engage in prayer and conversation around the topic of discernment.  The weekend included small group discussions, one on one time for each participant to speak with a faculty member regarding their own personal discernment, quiet time for silence, reflection, and prayer on the beautiful grounds of the Diocesan Center, conversations with our Bishops around the discernment process for ordained ministry, a small group that focused on lay ministry opportunities, and some very good food!

Participants were in various places in their discernment; some were just beginning their journey while others were about to begin their formation for ordained ministry.  Others were in active discernment but were unsure as to where God might be leading them.  

The purpose of the weekend was not to plug participants into a particular ministry, or to have them determine their specific call during the weekend.  Rather, the participants came away with a greater understanding of what discernment is, how to hear God’s voice, and how to find greater clarity in understanding what God may be calling them to do.

Discernment is often equated with ordained ministry.  While that is true in part, much time was given to consider lay ministry opportunities and how to gauge the needs of the community around us and then to think and discern about how the church can begin to meet those needs.  Of course, time was given to ordained ministry opportunities, and the path for ordination to the diaconate, the priesthood, and the bivocational priesthood.

Discernment is a lifelong process that touches the heart of every disciple.  This was evidenced by the diversity of the group; a wide range of age groups were present along with people from all walks of life.  

You are invited to one of our next two sessions which will be held on April 24^th-26^th, 2026 at Mustang Island and November 13^th-15^th at a site to be determined.  If you are curious about discernment, not exactly sure what it means, or if you are already discerning your call, this weekend will be a true gift.  You will learn much, you will meet folks from all over the Diocese, and you will build relationships with those attending along with you.  And once again, you will be fed well!

If you would like to register (link here).  If you have questions about the weekends, please email Tami Woods at tami.woods@dwtx.org or Mike Besson at mike.besson@dwtx.org

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