Any Ideas?

[ATeutonicKnight]

Hopefully, along the way, you will learn some skills to interact with others that see things differently than you do. This is one of the signs of maturity.

I actually have gotten a lot better about it. About a year ago if someone told me I had no vocation to the Priesthood and I was told to stop thinking about it, war would then ensue. Here I simply said we should stop talking about it because we have different opinions. Although I’m much better, if she said something that I found offensive and continued to say other things like that, my inner Matt Dula would come out.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Maybe you can order a paper copy? old.usccb.org/vocations/
It’s called Priestly Formation.

One of the things you will learn as you progress through the discernment process is that most people who feel this call do not eventually become priests. Those that do must give up their idea of “what type of priest I want to be”, and seek to find out what type of priest the Lord wants them to be, if at all. It is not up to you, it is up to Him, for many are called, and few are chosen. And, although you may have a valid calling, the Church may choose not to ordain you. She decides who will serve as priests, not the candidate.

I actually meant to say “what type of Priest God wants me to be” but usually people like myself mix up the words when we really mean the opposite of what we said.

Yes, unfortunately most that want to become Priests don’t actually do so. Whether I’m one of those people, we do not know yet. Hopefully I’ll be called to it. However, I try to put myself in a positive atmosphere. If all I ever hear is cynical comments than I lose hope and give up. This is why OneOfTheWoman and I don’t mix. She wants to challenge my decisions, which seems cynical to me because this is not how I was raised, and this is not how the parents of Saints ever acted unless they didn’t want their child to become a Religious or Priest. Imagine if when Saint Anthony declared he was going to be a Priest on his fifteenth birthday and his parents went, “Well, this is probably a false feeling. You see son, most that think they feel called aren’t actually called.” My parents have done nothing to support this decision and to push me to do more school work so I may become the most knowledgeable Priest I can be. I realize not everyone is like this and that is fine. This is simply the behavior I’m used to and the behavior I find inspiring. Thank you all for all of your posts though. I’m now more confident with the thought of being a Priest.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Maybe you can order a paper copy? old.usccb.org/vocations/
It’s called Priestly Formation.

One of the things you will learn as you progress through the discernment process is that most people who feel this call do not eventually become priests. Those that do must give up their idea of “what type of priest I want to be”, and seek to find out what type of priest the Lord wants them to be, if at all. It is not up to you, it is up to Him, for many are called, and few are chosen. And, although you may have a valid calling, the Church may choose not to ordain you. She decides who will serve as priests, not the candidate.

Hopefully, along the way, you will learn some skills to interact with others that see things differently than you do. This is one of the signs of maturity.

Besides, I actually find myself constantly imaging when it’s going to be like to be a Priest, and I later found out this is a big sign that one has a calling to it. It’s not foolproof for sure, but it’s comforting to know since I’m thinking about it almost all of the time. Whether I’m imaging hearing peoples’ confessions, saying my homily, celebrating the Mass, or even just driving, it always excites me when I imagine myself with an old-style Cassock on preaching the Word of God.

 

[joe_bell]

Teutonic,

What many have said here is pretty good advice considering it is an open forum. Nothing like an actual person to guide you though.
I would suggest that you find a Catholic priest who can give you the time necessary. I recommend seeking out the retired/senior priests in your area(living in rectories, clergy retirement homes, monasteries, etc)where the priest could have a bit more time to schedule you in consistently. Not all priests are meant for any individual in cases like this.
When you find a good priest, explain your problems and then listen to what he has to say and do what he has to say. If he is speaking as the Church would have him speak/teach, then you know that if you follow his counsel, you will be doing God’s will and combat this vice successfully.
Pray the rosary as best you can. Beseech the aid of your patron saints and guardian angel. Know that others are praying for you.

Joe

 

[At_Trent]

Besides, I actually find myself constantly imaging when it’s going to be like to be a Priest, and I later found out this is a big sign that one has a calling to it. It’s not foolproof for sure, but it’s comforting to know since I’m thinking about it almost all of the time. Whether I’m imaging hearing peoples’ confessions, saying my homily, celebrating the Mass, or even just driving, it always excites me when I imagine myself with an old-style Cassock on preaching the Word of God.

Considering what you say here in addition to your OP, I suggest you strongly consider Mr. Bell’s excellent advice.

Nothing but good can come of it. Especially if you find a priest in his 80’s or 90’s, as Joe suggests. The right one will also benefit from your seeking of advice. You may well find he will have much to say to one who will listen

 

[anp1215]

No one is telling you that you can’t.
All I am saying is is that there is a correct way to seek the vocation.
If you truly are being called, why would you not want to surround yourself with people who will support, encourage and challenge you along the journey.
I’ve given you a resource and you don’t even want to be bothered with it. Is this what you think maturity is?

Arguing with people who are trying to help you achieve your goal because you don’t like what they say
and using arguements like, “Well look at theses guys, they did, why can’t I?” when no one said you couldn’t is just proof to me that you need to “grow up”!

Try to go a little easy…he was hasty at first in assigning meaning to your words, but then he realized you were only trying to help, and he acknowledged that. I thought that was a mature thing to do. You responded by saying he needed to grow up…

OP, I think that it’s entirely possible that God has called you to be a priest at such a young age, and that you have answered His call. Just know that, if God is truly calling you to the priesthood, He will make a way for it to happen. I sincerely hope that you find a good spiritual director that can help you deal with your scruples. God bless!