Am I called or not?

[yesukristus]

I’ve always have this belief that Got meant me to walk through open doors and turn away from closed doors (metaphorically speaking- referring to vocations). And in my life the door to priesthood does not seem to be open. I’ve asked priests whether I should consider to be a priest, and one priest specifically said that he doesn’t think I’m ready (he has some knowledge of my negative qualities), another priest who appeared lackadaisical about my request (and he referred me to the first priest- one closed door there), and another priest who was enthusiastic about my desire, but he referred me to the aforementioned priests. Yet I have laypeople (mostly women) who kept asking me to consider the priesthood.
Another reason why I don’t think God is calling me to be a priest is that I found a door that kept opening for me. It’s a secular career (insurance agent), and I’ve come across testimonies that this work can really help people. Twice I’ve failed to be successful, the opportunity always arose for me to return to it (I’m now doing it full-time). So i think it is more likely that i’m called to be an insurance agent. What do y’all think?

 

[LilFranciscan25]

If God seems to be shutting the doors to a priestly vocation for you, perhaps you are not called now or at all. The career move you describe sounds like a good one and it has presented itself several times, as you say. I would take that as a good clue that God wants you to take the job and either wait to discern the priesthood later, or discern marriage. You could always serve in the lay ministry if you wanted to serve the Church more.

I would recommend that you find a spiritual director, other than the aforementioned priest that is discouraging you, and see what they say. Build a solid relationship and make sure you are honest, of course. If your spiritual director believes that you are called, then pursue it, otherwise they’ll instruct you where they think you should discern.

Also, even though laypeople are asking you to consider the priesthood, it’s not a surefire sign at all that you are called. One must feel the call internally, in their heart, for it to be real.

God bless! I will be praying for you!

 

[Bob_Crowley]

I’ve always have this belief that Got meant me to walk through open doors and turn away from closed doors (metaphorically speaking- referring to vocations). And in my life the door to priesthood does not seem to be open. I’ve asked priests whether I should consider to be a priest, and one priest specifically said that he doesn’t think I’m ready (he has some knowledge of my negative qualities), another priest who appeared lackadaisical about my request (and he referred me to the first priest- one closed door there), and another priest who was enthusiastic about my desire, but he referred me to the aforementioned priests. Yet I have laypeople (mostly women) who kept asking me to consider the priesthood.
Another reason why I don’t think God is calling me to be a priest is that I found a door that kept opening for me. It’s a secular career (insurance agent), and I’ve come across testimonies that this work can really help people. Twice I’ve failed to be successful, the opportunity always arose for me to return to it (I’m now doing it full-time). So i think it is more likely that i’m called to be an insurance agent. What do y’all think?

I don’t know how old you are, but if you’re young, maybe God wants you to have a bit of secular experience first, even if you are called. The first priest didn’t say “No”, he seemed to imply he didn’t think you were ready. There’s a difference. I think there are dangers when very young people go into seminary without any real understanding of the challenges older, secular people face every day.

For the time being, I’d just get on with life and see if the question keeps nagging you.

 

[skallal]

Hey yk,

What a great problem to have! Right now, your life can go in two radically different directions, but both are good. The real question is: Which is better for you?

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but you and God together do! What some people call shutting doors, others might call playing hard to get, testing your resolve. Also this wonderful opportunity to sell insurance could just as easily be interpreted as a temptation. So don’t expect answers from me… But you should definitely make your spiritual life a priority, daily prayer with the Scriptures as a bare minimum. Less TV, Internet, radio, ipod, etc. More silence and reflection. Seek virtue and hang out with virtuous friends and family members. If possible, find a learned, prudent spiritual director. Otherwise, at least go to confession regularly.

When your heart is pure and relaxed, it’ll begin to speak loud and clear. Just give it time. Don’t hound it for answers. What I mean is, the answers and opportunities will come when you’re ready. Follow your heart… It knows the way…

In Christ,

Brother Scott
Seminarian
Apostles of the Interior Life, Rome

 

[yesukristus]

I don’t know how old you are, but if you’re young, maybe God wants you to have a bit of secular experience first, even if you are called. The first priest didn’t say “No”, he seemed to imply he didn’t think you were ready. There’s a difference. I think there are dangers when very young people go into seminary without any real understanding of the challenges older, secular people face every day. For the time being, I’d just get on with life and see if the question keeps nagging you.

I’m 28. Old enough to have some secular experience (not that much though).

 

[plato3]

THERE IS A WONDERFUL PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE 18-30 THAT WANT TO DISCERN IF THEY ARE CALLED TO A VOCATION-MEN AND WOMAN CAN APPLY. IT IS A MISSIONARY GROUP THAT TRAINS PEOPLE AND SENDS THEM OUT TO EVANGELIZE-IT IS TRUELY CATHOLIC.(I KNOW THE MORMONS HAVE A PROGRAM)
THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ACTUALLY GO DOOR TO DOOR TO INVITE BACK THOSE WHO HAVE DRIFTED FROM THE FAITH. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A CALLING. ONLY THOSE WHO ARE CERTAIN ABOUT GOING ON-THEN RECEIVE CREDIT TOWARD BECOMING A SISTER OR BROTHER OR GOING ON TO THE SEMINARY. CHECK OUT msphinkly@peoplepc.com