Avoiding taking this seriously

[SalesianSDB]

For most of my life I’ve always considered the priesthood as an option for down the road since I needed to finish my education. Now that I graduated several months ago and working on my first post-grad job, I’m starting to really think the priesthood is for me. The more I think about it, the more I like it and think it’s something I want to do. Honestly, I want to make a difference and feel like that is where I may be led to make that difference.

The thing is I don’t know where to start! The religious order I would join is nowhere near me so there’s that. There’s also the fact that I have 2 cats that I really don’t want to give away. And that’s when I say, “I’ll worry about thinking about it later” or “I’ll start thinking about thinking about it later.”

I really am procrastinating and I think it’s because I don’t want to realize that the answer is Yes (if that makes any sense).

Any thoughts or words of encouragement?

 

[surritter]

Sorry to be blunt, but if relinquishing cats is a factor in you following a possible call from God, then I would indeed say it’s procrastination

But pray as hard as you’ve ever prayed. Also keep in mind that religious orders (or a diocesan seminary) have trial periods or candidacy or whatever, so maybe that’s what you should consider.

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance & direction in your discernment.

 

[Catholic1954]

Your diocese should have an Office of Vocations, give them a call and they can get you started in the discernment process. You should also have a spiritual director. Don’t worry about the cats, they are part of God’s creation too and He will look out for them. This process could take some time, so the sooner you get started on it, the better.

 

[St_Francis]

I think it is a great honor for a young man to be called to the priesthood And an honor to his parents as well, that they were entrusted with the upbringing of a (hopefully) future priest!

You might start by calling the vocations director of your diocese, or talking with a priest about this. Since this may he a busy time of year for them, contact them and ask when a good time for them is, and then follow-up.

Don’t procrastinate, you are not making a commitment by calling and following up. It will all probably take a while, so you don’t have to figure out what to do with your cats anytime soon Maybe someone in your parish would take care of them for you!

 

[petra22]

Praying for you. Just keep thinking about the sheep with no shepherd…

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death. Amen.

 

[anonymous_in_fl]

As a responsible pet owner, I feel your pain. Pets are a long-term commitment; they are not something to be taken lightly. Please try to find a responsible family member or friend to give them to. Or maybe someone in your parish needs a good companion animal. Ask St Francis to help you in finding a loving new home for your kitties.

 

[AmericanFighter]

For most of my life I’ve always considered the priesthood as an option for down the road since I needed to finish my education. Now that I graduated several months ago and working on my first post-grad job, I’m starting to really think the priesthood is for me. The more I think about it, the more I like it and think it’s something I want to do. Honestly, I want to make a difference and feel like that is where I may be led to make that difference.

The thing is I don’t know where to start! The religious order I would join is nowhere near me so there’s that. There’s also the fact that I have 2 cats that I really don’t want to give away. And that’s when I say, “I’ll worry about thinking about it later” or “I’ll start thinking about thinking about it later.”

I really am procrastinating and I think it’s because I don’t want to realize that the answer is Yes (if that makes any sense).

Any thoughts or words of encouragement?

You know its funny this sounds like me a little bit I am going to be entering the seminary soon though.

Discernment is a long process. I considered a religious life with the Franciscans and the Dominicans but have come to realize the diocesan priesthood is the best fit for me.

Start reading a great deal about the saints their lives are great examples of how to live and will inspire you to take action and show how sinners and imperfect beings can become great men and women of God.

I know your feeling about your cats I have a very strong attachment to my dog more so because I worry about him. He was my sisters dog and when she couldn’t take care of him she gave him to me. After she abandon him he wouldn’t eat or play or do anything and would just mope around he finally warmed up to me and is attached to me all the time I worry loosing another loved one would be too much for him. but if God calls us we have to answer no matter the cost. I probably wont enter the seminary for another year or so so as i have allot of preparation to do but that day will be very hard.

Contact your vocational director ASAP

also know that in most religious orders all bets are off on location if that order decides they need you in another location or even another country you don’t have much of a choice. Look in to being a diocesan priest or deacon they have a little more say in where they practice. But know that it is God calling you to a particular life and do your best to follow his call and let go of your worldly pleasures and wants. As it says in the bible store up your treasures in heaven.

I would suggest you start praying the liturgy of the hours.

divineoffice.org/#sthash.jMQROTnP.dpbs

Start out just praying the morning prayer at 6 AM and the Night prayer before you go to sleep then and the Daytime at noon.