Love God's Will Discussion Guides

We were generously provided with these reflection questions from people who viewed the film and felt moved by Fr. Ryan's story.

General Reflections

Luke 22:42 (RSVCE): “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

1. Explore your understanding of how Fr. Ryan saw the crucifix as a sign of the intersection of wills – God’s will with his own will. How might such a realization help you to accept God’s will in your life, especially in difficult circumstances?

2. How did looking at a crucifix help Fr. Ryan to not only accept God’s will for his life, but to embrace and love God’s will, even in the face of great suffering? How can you learn to embrace and love God’s will as Fr. Ryan did?

3. What are some of the potential fruits of joining our suffering to the suffering of Christ as Fr. Ryan did?

4. How did Fr. Ryan discern his vocation and his purpose in this life? How can you discern God’s will for your own life?  How can you know what God’s will is for you?

5. How did Fr. Ryan address the fear of suffering in the face of his illness? How can you address your own fear in the face of suffering and difficulties? What is the importance and fruit of suffering well as Fr. Ryan did?

6. How did Fr. Ryan make the discernment to become a priest? Was it a personal preference or was it a calling by God? What are some ways to discern if a particular path in life is a call from God?

7. How did Fr. Ryan’s upbringing, hobbies, and education as an engineer foster his vocation to the priesthood? What can we all do as a community of faith to foster vocations in our own children and the children of our community? What specific qualities need to be nurtured in a child to assist them in the journey to their vocation – whether that be the priesthood, religious life, or married life?

8. How did Fr. Ryan bear fruit from the gift of supernatural grace received through his priestly ordination? How do you bear fruit from the gift of supernatural grace received in the sacraments of baptism, confession, the Eucharist, confirmation, and marriage?

9. Fr. Ryan shares a remarkable account of the supernatural grace of Baptism in the healing of a very sick baby Emily after she was baptized. Have you every personally experienced or witnessed the supernatural healing power of the sacraments?

10. While celebrating the Holy Mass, Fr. Ryan learned to put aside his difficulties and suffering, knowing that he was fulfilling God’s will and doing what mattered most.  How can we foster such an outlook, that during Holy Mass we are participating in worship of our loving God?

11. In what way did Fr. Ryan rightly align his priorities? How does properly aligning our priorities in life allow us experience the greatness and holiness that we are all called to? 

12. Fr. Ryan radiated Christian joy, even in his most difficult moments.  How can we bring others to Christ by accepting the supernatural gift of joy in all circumstances?

13. Fr. Ryan’s mom talks about how Fr. Ryan insisted on being available to hear the confessions of his flock, even when he was extremely ill.  Why do you think the sacrament of reconciliation was such a priority for Fr. Ryan?  How does this sacrament help you to live out your purpose and vocation in life?

14. How does Fr. Ryan’s life and death lead us to the love of Christ? How can we emulate Fr. Ryan in bringing others to the love of Christ?

15. What was the most poignant moment of the film for you? Why? What touched your heart the most deeply?

16. Are you ready to go “all in” like Fr. Ryan and live your life striving to be a saint?

 

Reflection questions generously provided by Susan Senia.


Reflection Guide for Students

Reflection guide created for 6th-12th grade students by a deacon/theology teacher and the staff at their Catholic school.

A. Pre-Viewing Questions (To Set the Stage)

  1. What does the phrase "God's Will" mean to you? How does a person typically know what God wants them to do?
  2. Have you ever known someone who gave up a financially lucrative or comfortable career path to pursue something of service (e.g., teaching, religious life, non-profit work)? What was your reaction?
  3. How do most people react when faced with a devastating diagnosis or suffering? What do you think it means to "suffer heroically"?

B. Post-Viewing Questions (Character, Theme, and Impact)

On Vocation and Life Choice:

  1. Fr. Ryan was a successful Petroleum Engineering graduate from Texas A&M. What evidence does the film provide that his calling to the priesthood was a true vocation and not just a "Plan B"?
  2. How did his time at Texas A&M serve as a turning point in Fr. Ryan's life? Can you identify a moment or experience in your own life that significantly impacted your direction or beliefs?
  3. Fr. Ryan's life was brief (he died at age 31), yet impactful. What is the film's message about the definition of a successful or meaningful life?

On Suffering and "Loving God's Will":

  1. What did Fr. Ryan mean when he said his desire was to "not only DO God's will, but to LOVE God's will"? How is loving God's will more difficult or deeper than just doing it?
  2. Describe Fr. Ryan's attitude toward his recurring cancer diagnosis. What spiritual practices (prayer, Sacraments, community) do you think helped him maintain his peace and cheerfulness?
  3. His mother, Susan Stawaisz, has heard from viewers that the film helps people who are suffering. In what ways does Fr. Ryan's example offer a model for dealing with personal pain, regardless of the cause?

On Ministry and Legacy:

  1. What were some of the most impactful examples of Fr. Ryan's ministry and service that the film highlights? (Consider his work with the sick, his homilies, or his focus on vocations).
  2. Fr. Ryan's brother, Ross Stawaisz, said he hopes the story will show the "need to stand up for some things." What things did Fr. Ryan stand up for or champion in his life?
  3. In his final moments, Fr. Ryan encouraged people to "go all in" and become saints. What does "going all in" look like for a high school student today?

Reflection guide generously provided by Deacon Peter Kennedy and the staff at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Iowa.