Conversion and vocation

[napoleon9710]

I’m currently attending a evangelical bible college and was hoping to become a protestant pastor but I’ve come to the realisation that sola scriptura is false. I’ve been in and out of RCIA classes for 4 years and am finally deciding to become a catholic. I feel a calling to serve in the church. I’m going to talk to the diocese vocations director about this but I was wondering if there is a fixed amount of time a convert has to wait to apply for a vocation?

 

[DonnaG]

Marcus Grodi on the EWTN show The Journey Home also has an organization or support group on line for protestant ministers like himself that have been led to “Come Home” to the Catholic Church. Perhaps you could contact him. (ch stands for coming home)

chnetwork.org/

DonnaG

 

[ChadS]

I don’t think there is any set amount of time to wait but many priests I’ve spoken to suggest a wait of at least two years. That gives you time to do more discerning as a member of the Church and get more acquainted with what priests do. I also think vocation directors don’t want a new convert jumping right into something with all their zeal and later regretting it.

If you have a vocation to the priesthood nurture it and pursue it and God will lead you right where he wants you. While you don’t want to wait forever to see if you have a vocation you don’t want to rush it either.

ChadS

 

[Cran]

It is very different if there is a “rule” about waiting. I know y seminarian that entered seminary two years after his conversion, but started to study theology immediately afteer conversion.

But I’d say most orders/seminaries would prefer at least those two years, I have even heard some would recommand five years (but actually I do not believe anybody would say: Go away, come back in two years!!! When three years since the conversion have passed).

Probably, other factors are taken into account, too, like the spiritual state, if someone has had a spiritual director, general maturity etc.

 

[markadm]

Two years is generally recommended.

I am in a similar position… it was the call to the Priesthood in 2005-2006 that brought me into holy mother Church this year. But at the recommendation of a good Priest friend I will not start the Seminary Applicants Year until 2008, and would only start seminary if accepted in September 2009.

The two years is not so much for knowledge’s sake (generally it is that knowledge that provides the conscience to convert), but rather to become stable and comfortable in the faith, and with a wholesome understanding of vocation, sacrifice, etc.