YES,
well hopefully!
well hopefully!
The very fact that you might be asking yourself that question means that it is a distinct possibility.
'
So what's your next move? (in no particular order)
- Talk to a priest you know and trust about it. (His perspective might just help you in the discernment process.)
- Pray the Rosary every day. (No one understands discerning God's call better than our Blessed Mother.)
- Try to attend Mass daily if at all possible. (The priesthood is primarily about the Eucharist and so it is at the Mass that your call will be clarified.)
- Try to spend some time each week in Eucharistic Adoration (for the same reason as point 3)
- Do not be afraid to step out in faith - if you wait until you are absolutely certain that you are called, then you never will make it as far as seminary.
- Do not expect a visit from Our Lady or the Lord telling you clearly and unambiguously that you are meant to be a priest.
- Do not fall into the trap of thinking you're not holy enough (it's the priesthood of Jesus Christ - who could be holy enough for that!!)
- Just do it!
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ReplyDeleteI follow the blogs of a number of young men in formation to the priesthood or religious orders. Yes, they wrestle with the question: Me, Lord? They seem, however, to find comfort in the things you mention, but perhaps more importantly in being around and talking with people also in their situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree strongly with your comment on the necessity of time in adoration, but I'd add: And ask Him what he would like you to do.
I believe your steps 5 through 7 are not steps, and step 8 is a bit presumptious. Discerning a vocation is a serious business.
In my small parish of 800 families, we have 21 men in seminaries and various stages of formation. We pray for them at every mass. The parish has a teen mass each Sunday, followed by teen fellowship. There are teen and young adult pilgrimages and retreats, and family support groups. Many of the young men went on visits to seminaries or open house weekends to live with and talk to seminarians about their lives.
Much needs to be done to support priestly vocations, and much of it is not by the young men considering such a vocation, but by their parishes, families, and yes, even strangers on the internet.
Peace.
Step 8 is not meant to be presumptious, but rather an encouragement not to remain sitting on the fence too long. Sorry if it came across that way. I know several young men who are doing just that (sitting on the fence) and often it is because of some of the issues I mentioned. Just do it means just do something that moves your discernment along.
ReplyDeleteYou have a blessed Parish that is bearing much fruit. Praised be God. Obviously your parish has made the fostering of vocations one of its main pastoral priorities. And that is wonderful indeed. May many other parishes do the same and who knows what saintly priests and people of the future will result.
Thanks for your input - i don't get too many comments on my blog.
Thank you, Fr. Barnabas, for your posting that addresses the steps to follow should opine be discerning a possible call to the priesthood.
ReplyDeleteI'm 45 years old and was just accepted to the seminary, after four years of discernment. During those four years, I have exhausted every possible outcome (continue in my present career, marriage, priesthood). These four years have been useful in contemplating my "next step." I finally had to subscribe to your "Step 8" and "just do it." Step 5 is so very true. If men who are discerning the call were to wait until they were positive, they would end up "walking the desert for 40 years," as my vocation director so eloquently states. After four years of serious discernment, step 8 is the most appropriate step. Only while living in the seminary will my vocation sooner or later be confirmed.
God willing, I begin classes on August 12, 2010. I am in the process of preparing my house so that it can be rented. One side of me wishes that the class I am supposed to start in is canceled. Of course, those are just my fear's influence. My decision to apply was based on the very concept of "just do it!"
It would be extremely kind if you could include our blog in your blogroll: www.catholicheritage.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!