40+ Years Later...the call?

[jerendeb]

I am not yet sure, but just came back to the Roman Catholic Church after 30+ years of solidly being away plus 10+ wavering as an adolescent/young adult. I am 55.

As a young Catholic Boy I was an altar boy. Those who knew me then, as I, were certain I’d pursue the priesthood. However by 6th grade and after Confirmation, I [allowed] a distraction to leave Catholic School for public school. That’s when the shock of what I had done set in disguised as the cruelty of kids. I felt like an outcast.

I wonder (and will talk with a couple priests I am now speaking with in deciding where to be a parish member and get my marriage validated) what I could do now and if the undue hardship I have experienced and disappointment I must have caused my late parents, if that could be the price paid for not heeding the call?

I know that’ not reality though, because as I recall and regain and relearn my Catholic Faith I am occasionally bombarded with ‘what might have beens’ had stayed a Catholic.

For what it’s worth, I am fully aware that just because I have returned; it will take time to sort a lot out.

JERE

 

[Podo2005]

I am not yet sure, but just came back to the Roman Catholic Church after 30+ years of solidly being away plus 10+ wavering as an adolescent/young adult. I am 55.

As a young Catholic Boy I was an altar boy. Those who knew me then, as I, were certain I’d pursue the priesthood. However by 6th grade and after Confirmation, I [allowed] a distraction to leave Catholic School for public school. That’s when the shock of what I had done set in disguised as the cruelty of kids. I felt like an outcast.

I wonder (and will talk with a couple priests I am now speaking with in deciding where to be a parish member and get my marriage validated) what I could do now and if the undue hardship I have experienced and disappointment I must have caused my late parents, if that could be the price paid for not heeding the call?

I know that’ not reality though, because as I recall and regain and relearn my Catholic Faith I am occasionally bombarded with ‘what might have beens’ had stayed a Catholic.

For what it’s worth, I am fully aware that just because I have returned; it will take time to sort a lot out.

JERE

First of all… welcome back Home Brother!

Secondly since you are married that means you aren’t called to the priesthood (because the Church only ordains celibate men to the priesthood)… on the other hand if you feel called to serve the Lord in a special way, maybe the Lord is calling you to serve as a permanent deacon?(1 Timothy 3:8-13) I would pray about it and perhaps talk with your parish priest…

And for what its worth,its never too late to turn back to the Lord and do what He wants you to do (i.e. He calls you, its not a matter simply of making your family “proud” or doing what they want you to do). In fact the Lord and the whole communion of saints are rejoicing that you have chosen to come back to the Church!(Read Luke 15 ,Matthew 18:10-14,Matthew 20:1-16 if you don’t believe me)

My prayers are with you

Your brother in Christ,
Zachary

 

[irisfromohio]

As a seasoned 40 plus(er) who is ALWAYS discerning a vocation and finding that the conversion of one’s heart is an ongoing process, I pray and blog my way though. Actually, this is a not very well veiled attempt to ask that anyone take a “look see” at my latest. I usually pray then post something once each month. I have listed it below my signature. It helps me “air out” my thoughts on discernment. Bless you:thumbsup: