Any others Discerning

[ATeutonicKnight]

Hey all

Was wondering if there are any others who are discerning?

Yes. I am discerning either the Priesthood or Religious life. I am drawn very much towards the Franciscans, however, there is a problem, as there is far too many Franciscan orders that interest me. The discerning process for them goes on painfully slow.

 

[DaughterOfMary6]

I’m not very active on this site, preferring Phatmass instead, but I am discerning a vocation to the religious life as a Sister – specifically with the order of the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, MI. I’ve been discerning off and on for almost 4 years (since Dec. 2007). I applied to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in 2009 but ended up withdrawing my application and beginning the hunt again. I am signed up to visit the RSMs in November on retreat in Alma. I can’t wait!

My visit with the RSMs is in 15 days! I am thrilled! :extrahappy:

 

[DaughterOfMary6]

Yes. I am discerning either the Priesthood or Religious life. I am drawn very much towards the Franciscans, however, there is a problem, as there is far too many Franciscan orders that interest me. The discerning process for them goes on painfully slow.

If there is one order I would recommend, it would definitely be the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. I was hoping to join the Sisters’ order, but it is not God’s will. I LOVE the CFRs!!!

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

If there is one order I would recommend, it would definitely be the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. I was hoping to join the Sisters’ order, but it is not God’s will. I LOVE the CFRs!!!

I looked into them for a long time, and I like them very much. However, they require college, which is something I cannot afford and which is something that I personally think is ridiculous. I feel very drawn towards my friend Brother Conrad’s order, the Franciscan Brothers of Peace: brothersofpeace.org/ They do pro life work, and they have been involved and have been the first to protest many controversial decisions, such as the Baby Joseph controversy (In which they were the first to speak up), the Terry Schiavo case, and many others. They also house and feed the poor, as well as tortured people from around the world.

 

[system]

Discernment process might take some time for some men. Make sure to study some philosophy and theology and memorize all the commonly used Catholic prayers and try to learn some Latin and Greek, …sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris MMLX!

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I looked into them for a long time, and I like them very much. However, they require college, which is something I cannot afford and which is something that I personally think is ridiculous.

You can think it’s ridiculous all you want,
but it is all part of the discernment process.
If you want to become a priest in the US, secular ***or ***regular,
you will have need a bachelor’s degree that includes at leat 30 credit hours in philosophy and 12 credit hours in theology.
This is the requirement.
Period.
End of discussion.

From the Program of Priestly Formation

1. Theologates must require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
   from an accredited institution. Sufficient education in philosophy, which
   the Code of Canon Law states as a biennium,37 is understood in the United
   States to be at least 30 semester credit hours, plus the out-of-classroom
   work associated with each credit hour traditionally expected in American
   higher education. A minimum of 12 semester credit hours is required
   in appropriate courses of undergraduate theology. (The content of such
   courses is outlined in norms 178 and 179 under “Intellectual Formation—
   College Seminaries: Norms.”)

 

[caranbest]

Yes, I am – unfortunately I am kind of old for it (59). I am a grandmother of four who is seeking a contemplative order which accepts older women. Any suggestions?

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Yes, I am – unfortunately I am kind of old for it (59). I am a grandmother of four who is seeking a contemplative order which accepts older women. Any suggestions?

The 2 congregations that are most active in my diocese have what is called “associate” membership.
Basically, one lives the charism of the community, and in “community” with them in the context of their “secular lives”.
I know a few women who have followed this path, all various in age and status.
Some are more involved/immersed than others, as their station in life allows,
but part of the committment is that you attend regular “sessions” where there is prayer and usually a reflection of some sort, maybe the sharing of a meal, you get the idea, .
There are also special events for Holy Days and for the feast days of the founders, etc.
Both communities are pretty vibrant, and are also, very unfortunately “greying”.

I looked into joining as an SSJ associate a few years ago,
I did the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius instead. (The best thing I have ever done for my spiritual life, BTW! )
Maybe it’s time to take another look!

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

You can think it’s ridiculous all you want,
but it is all part of the discernment process.
If you want to become a priest in the US, secular ***or ***regular,
you will have need a bachelor’s degree that includes at leat 30 credit hours in philosophy and 12 credit hours in theology.
This is the requirement.
Period.
End of discussion.

From the Program of Priestly Formation

I don’t mind it for the Priesthood, because they have minor Seminary. For me, the discernment process happens during the Apostolate and the Novitiate. I don’t mind if I’m doing the college while I’m in the Religious order discerning, and as long as they’re paying for it, but I don’t like the system of them making you do it before you’re allowed to join the Order.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I don’t mind it for the Priesthood, because they have minor Seminary. For me, the discernment process happens during the Apostolate and the Novitiate. I don’t mind if I’m doing the college while I’m in the Religious order discerning, and as long as they’re paying for it, but I don’t like the system of them making you do it before you’re allowed to join the Order.

I think you may be a little misguided as to what discernment actually means.

Another quote for the PPF, my emphasis added-

1. ***All applicants should give witness to their conviction that God
   has brought them to the seminary to discern whether or not they are really
   called to the priesthood, and they should commit themselves wholeheartedly
   to carrying out that discernment. ***They should be alert both to signs
   that seem to confirm that call and to counter-indications. As a seminarian
   moves from a high school seminary program to college seminary to the
   theologate, there should be a growing sense of confirmation of that call.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

I think you may be a little misguided as to what discernment actually means.

Another quote for the PPF, my emphasis added-

1. ***All applicants should give witness to their conviction that God
   has brought them to the seminary to discern whether or not they are really
   called to the priesthood, and they should commit themselves wholeheartedly
   to carrying out that discernment. ***They should be alert both to signs
   that seem to confirm that call and to counter-indications. As a seminarian
   moves from a high school seminary program to college seminary to the
   theologate, there should be a growing sense of confirmation of that call.

I know this. But, as I said before, I have no problem with the way the Diocesan Priesthood works. I simply have a problem with the way the C.F.R. discernment works. I simply prefer a hands-on discernment, and if I have to wait four years and spend one hundred and thirty thousand dollars to even live within the Order, it’s not worth it in my eyes, because I could’ve spent those four years working in the order, the way the Carmelites, Redemptorists, and Dominicans do, as well as most Franciscan Orders that require college. I simply don’t like their way of doing things. They don’t require college, they simply encourage it, and won’t let you join until you’re twenty-two and, that’s if you have a good track record during your job that you had until then. I’m still discerning them, but my plan is to go to Seminary first and foremost. If I don’t feel a call to it, I will visit other communities, keep in contact with them, and when I’m twenty-two, if I still want to give them a try, I will.

 

[caranbest]

I am but it is a very late Vocation (59). Waiting to hear back from Mother Miriam.

 

[Shoshana]

Discerning in becoming a secular discalced carmelite…i am in the aspirancy program…will be interrogated by the whole council in less than 2 weeks to see if I am ready for the next step-being a novice-or not. Please pray!

 

[JL2011]

Discerning for the diocesan priesthood. I’ll be going to a retreat in my diocese seminary the next weekend (November 18, 19, and 20), that is, if my dad wants me to, since he doesn’t know I want to be a priest, and I gotta tell him now because I can’t go without his permission. Please pray for me, that my dad may understand, and that I may be able to accept God’s Will for me, whatever that is! Thank you a lot.

 

[uni_embrace]

Hey all

Was wondering if there are any others who are discerning?

Yes, I am. As each day passes I get more and more of a sense that I am meant for a vocation. It’s something that cannnot be described but signs seem to be appearing (however subtel in my life). Am still discerning, but I am almost sure that I am meant for it. I’m 41. Was just wondering if anyone knows (or is) someone who has had a late vocation? (perhaps even older than myself)

 

[uni_embrace]

Yes, as the previous poster alluded, my other thing is knowing how to tell those close to me about my decision. Will have to do it but part of me is dreading it. Any tips?

 

[WalkWithMe123]

Yes, I’m discerning my vocation. Considering the priesthood pretty dang strongly. Still lots of time before college and seminary though.

 

[caranbest]

Update: received a call today from Mother Miriam’s representative. So am on my way to eventually joining their community in Tulsa. Anyone know of a good Spiritual Director in San antonio?:

 

[uni_embrace]

It may be a cliche, but evrything happens for a reason and events in my life (positive and negative) have pushed me closer to my decision. I am almost a hundred percent sure that it is the life for me…

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Update: received a call today from Mother Miriam’s representative. So am on my way to eventually joining their community in Tulsa. Anyone know of a good Spiritual Director in San antonio?:

Not in San Antonio, but some of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal live in Forth Worth, so if you have the time or money you can drive up and visit one of the Friars every few months.