Becoming a Priest

[mdaliess]

Hey,
I have recently felt that I have been called to the priesthood but I do not know if I should pursue this calling yet. I was baptized Catholic but I fell away from the church in my younger years. I recently graduated college with a BA in History Education and I hold a license as a social studies teacher. I have also returned to the church and am currently in the RCIA process. Do I have to wait until I finish the RCIA process in April of 2010 or can I begin to talk to people about getting into a seminary in the fall of 2009? Thanks

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

Hey,
I have recently felt that I have been called to the priesthood but I do not know if I should pursue this calling yet. I was baptized Catholic but I fell away from the church in my younger years. I recently graduated college with a BA in History Education and I hold a license as a social studies teacher. I have also returned to the church and am currently in the RCIA process. Do I have to wait until I finish the RCIA process in April of 2010 or can I begin to talk to people about getting into a seminary in the fall of 2009? Thanks

This is definitely something you should discuss with the vocations director of your diocese. If you haven’t met with him or your parish priest, you should do both. I believe that you will have to wait until you complete RCIA, but since you were baptized Catholic, you might not have to wait as long, but I don’t know for sure.

Do you have a spiritual director? This can be a priest, brother, sister, lay person, etc. that you trust that is entrusted with helping you on your vocation journey.

Are you feeling more called to the diocesan priesthood or a religious priest (as a friar or monk)?? This is certainly not something you have to answer right now, but something to ponder. I can find some information if you need it.

Since you are just learning about your call and not sure about it, definitely take this time in prayer (in Adoration and daily Mass if possible). I know you can’t receive Communion yet, but attending Mass is all you need right now.

I will be praying for you! I am praying for worthy priests who are full of love for the Lord! St. Therese is my patron and she believed in this practice.