Bankruptcy and Discerning a Vocation

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Brothers and Sisters,

I am discerning a vocation to the brotherhood / priesthood but find myself in an impossible financial situation. I am contemplating filing bankruptcy to get out of this mess. I guess my question is:

Does filing bankruptcy automatically disqualify a candidate from entering a religious order?

While speculative answers and sarcasm may be entertaining for forum members, I would love to hear the straight scoop as it applies to vocation discernment.

Blessings To All,
OpusFan
 
I would consult a vocations director or canonist for the answer to this question.
 
OpusFan said:
Brothers and Sisters,

I am discerning a vocation to the brotherhood / priesthood but find myself in an impossible financial situation. I am contemplating filing bankruptcy to get out of this mess. I guess my question is:

Does filing bankruptcy automatically disqualify a candidate from entering a religious order?

While speculative answers and sarcasm may be entertaining for forum members, I would love to hear the straight scoop as it applies to vocation discernment.

Blessings To All,
OpusFan
Click to expand...
I spoke with one of our vocation directors to see if my thoughts were correct on this. He confirmed them.

A candidate with a bankruptcy on his record would not be looked down upon.

A big red flag would be raised though if the candidate entered bankruptcy just to clear his debt so he could enter religious life.
 
Dear ByzCath,

Thanks for the straight up answer. It’s a cross I’ve been carrying for a while and hope the Good Lord shows me the way out, vocation or no vocation.

I see from your profile that you’re a novice and the Lord only knows how much I appreciate the answer coming from you.

I’m just a bit older than you and sometimes I wonder if I’m being
realistic in pursuing my vocation dream at the age of 47.

God Bless Your Vocation.

Your Brother In Christ,
OpusFan
 
OpusFan said:
Dear ByzCath,

Thanks for the straight up answer. It’s a cross I’ve been carrying for a while and hope the Good Lord shows me the way out, vocation or no vocation.

I see from your profile that you’re a novice and the Lord only knows how much I appreciate the answer coming from you.

I’m just a bit older than you and sometimes I wonder if I’m being
realistic in pursuing my vocation dream at the age of 47.

God Bless Your Vocation.

Your Brother In Christ,
OpusFan
Click to expand...
Thank you. My profile was a bit off. I am no longer a novice. I made my first profession of vows back in June. I am now a Brother and start the theologate (seminary for religious) on Monday.

I had issues with debt. It ended up that I found someone who helped me out of my debt, except for my student loans which the order is taking care of until I make my final profession, then they will pay them off.

Know that you and your discernment are in my prayers.
 
Thanks Brother For Your Prayer.

I myself feel very called to the Brotherhood mostly because of the education requirement. I haven’t checked out the Carmelite brothers but it seems like they don’t have a bias towards older vocations.

It’s a pleasure to have communicated with you. I will pray for you.

Your Brother In Christ,
OpusFan

Manny
Archdiocese Of Miami
Detention Ministry
 
OpusFan said:
Dear ByzCath,

Thanks for the straight up answer. It’s a cross I’ve been carrying for a while and hope the Good Lord shows me the way out, vocation or no vocation.

I see from your profile that you’re a novice and the Lord only knows how much I appreciate the answer coming from you.

I’m just a bit older than you and sometimes I wonder if I’m being
realistic in pursuing my vocation dream at the age of 47.

God Bless Your Vocation.

Your Brother In Christ,
OpusFan
Click to expand...
Age in todays world is not such a problem as it once was. Whether that is do to longer life spans other reasons I am not sure.
I would take it step by step.[Some steps might of course be worked on simultaneously]… Get your finances in order. *

Meet with your spiritual director and maybe vocations director for your diocese. If you are truely feeling called and this is verified by trusted individiuals for heavens sake dont let age be the thing that keeps you out.

The journey might be challenging but trust me it is worth it.

My prayers and the prayers of others here I am sure] will be with you. Keep us informed of your journey and thoughts or questions. Many here have been there or are there now so keep in touch.

Blessings of Peace and Good! * :angel1:*
 
Thank You Poor Clare tobe !

It’s great to get a sincere word of encouragement.
I’m trying to walk the tight rope of doing all I can to resolve some matters and at the same time: Letting God, Be God.

I know that if it’s the Lord’s will all will be resolved.
Many Blessings to you and you are in my prayers as well.

All The Best 🙂

OpusFan
 
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