Did I stop my son from becoming a priest?

[Annika4]

My young teenage son wanted to be a priest. I’m not sure if I was a large factor in him changing his mind or maybe he changed his mind on his own. I think it was me. I said things that may have led him to believe that he has to be “perfect” in order to become a priest. It was a stupid, selfish thing to do. At the time all I could think about is that I wouldn’t see him as much, and that I would have to give up on the dream of having grandchildren from him. I don’t know if I can fix my mistake. I tried. I told him I was wrong, I encouraged him to take a second look into the priesthood. Nothing has changed. What more can I do? I will pray. Is this really all my fault, or is this just the ever-changing mind of youth? Should I confess this?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Try not to beat up yourself too much over this. Even had you been fully supportive, he might still have changed his mind. Young people do that, and he may yet change it again. That said, yes, your reaction to his dream was inappropriate and motivated by self-interest. It may be helpful to confess it. And, after doing so, you might ask the confessor for suggestions on how to appropriately encourage your son to reconsider the priesthood. Even if your son doesn’t change his mind again, doing so could be an appropriate means of atoning for your mistake.