Confused...

[RaphaelJ]

Hello everyone. I feel very confused. To start with I am an 18-year old student studying Medical Laboratory Science as a premed because my father requested that I finish my Medicine studies before I even think of entering the seminary. At first, I was mostly set on just going through the studies but as I studied, I fell in love with it. The complexity of the sciences of this natural world sparked a deeper yearning for God. It was a strange feeling and as I continued on I started also to question my vocation. I thought of all the good I could do as a doctor with Catholic morality as my guide. Any ideas as to how to clear this?

 

[Blessedwithfive]

Sounds like you have a smart father. You have lots of time to sort things out. Keep studying and see where the Spirit leads you.

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your discernments.

 

[St_Francis]

There are many professionals who have gone into the religious life. Maybe God is calling you to both? You could be a medical missionary monk…

I would contact the vocations director of your diocese to see what options you have.

 

[mountee]

As the next few years pass by I would urge you to talk to as many people as you can about you thoughts. I believe that as a Catholic working in the medical field you would have so many opportunities to grow closer to God as you help His children. You may still find that He is calling you to the priesthood as your studies continue but there are many priests out there who are also lawyers, doctors and accountants and their backgrounds help the Church and her members tremendously. BTW, I agree, your father is a very wise man. Praying for you to find the path that God has chosen for you.

 

[Hodegetria]

Indeed, you’re blessed to have such a wise father.

Keep going with your pre-med studies, since you’re enthusiastic and at peace with what you’re doing, I think you’re on the right track. My spiritual director always told me if you have a decision to make, God will give you consolations when you go the right way.

God calls each of us, so keep your ears and eyes open for His call and keep praying for discernment. You can do great things for the Lord. God bless you! I will pray for you.

 

[RaphaelJ]

As the next few years pass by I would urge you to talk to as many people as you can about you thoughts. I believe that as a Catholic working in the medical field you would have so many opportunities to grow closer to God as you help His children. You may still find that He is calling you to the priesthood as your studies continue but there are many priests out there who are also lawyers, doctors and accountants and their backgrounds help the Church and her members tremendously. BTW, I agree, your father is a very wise man. Praying for you to find the path that God has chosen for you.

Indeed, I have made my thoughts known to a few. So far, those who have decided to advise me on my vocation give two responses. Actually, the responses are often also from people I have not asked. Either they say that I would make a good priest or they say that due to my inclination for the sciences that my talents would be wasted in the priesthood. Thank you everyone for your advice.

 

[Blessedwithfive]

I can think of no talents which would be wasted in the priesthood. Ok maybe pole dancing: : that’s about it

 

[PHSshamrock]

Indeed, I have made my thoughts known to a few. So far, those who have decided to advise me on my vocation give two responses. Actually, the responses are often also from people I have not asked. Either they say that I would make a good priest or they say that due to my inclination for the sciences that my talents would be wasted in the priesthood. Thank you everyone for your advice.

After the March for Life this year, some friends and I were discussing ways the prolife ministry could expand to be more effective. What we decided is that we need more good, Catholic, prolife doctors. For that we need medical schools that won’t force the ideas of contraception and abortion on their students… Anyways, in the discussion we did realize that all the prolife doctors we know are super busy each day because there is such a need for them.

BUT so are priests. The Church NEEDS more holy priests and more holy doctors. Both are necessary. The question is which one you are called to. Keep praying about, keep searching for peace, and get a spiritual director would be my advice.