Discerning Between Different Traditional Orders

[willr428]

I am a recent convert to the faith (Easter Vigil 2017) and have strongly been discerning between different orders with the traditional Catholic Priesthood. I am currently 15 so I will have plenty of time to decide but would like advice. I have been strongly attracted to the Dominican vocation and have considered both the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Vincent Ferrer and the Dominican Order. I have also considered the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter as they have the closest Latin Mass church to where I live and their vocation information on their website. I feel in many ways that I am destined to wear a Dominican habit, yet I fear the possibility of making a wrong decision. My ideal pick would be the Fraternity of Saint Vincent Ferrer, but they are located in France and not much information is available on if they could accommodate an anglophone.

 

[bardegaulois]

You have plenty of time to discern, but you also have plenty of time to start learning French. I’d imagine you’ll soon be able to choose your courses for next semester. Even if you decide against going to France, you’ll still know one of the most widespread languages in the world.

 

[commenter]

Contact your diocesan vocations office. Talk to someone about your goals and interests. They would be in a position to lead you further, give you some things to think about and resources to check out.

Prayer of course is the best guide for discernment.

 

[Fauken]

Agreed, you have time. As a convert, they won’t accept you until two years after your initiation. There’s no rush. If you’re interested in the TLM, have you heard or spoken to the FSSP? They have a seminary in Nebraska, so they’d definitely accomodate an anglophone. From my experience with them, they’re a wonderful group with very holy and traditional priests.

 

[misstherese]

Yes, the Nebraska FSSP priests are wonderful. I recommend them.

 

[Cloisters]

Thank you for being docile to grace, and your return home to Rome. I converted at age16, even transferring to our local Catholic high school at the beginning of my junior year.

Concentrate on being a holy student while frequenting the sacraments – daily Mass; rosary; chaplet of divine mercy; adoration and Liturgy of the Hours if possible; weekly confession; wearing the scapular. Obey your parents and teachers readily. If your schedule permits, get involved in charitable activities. I became a Candy Striper at my local hospital.

And yes, take French, if possible.

Technically speaking, the Ferrer Fraternity (linked in another thread) are Dominicans in spirituality, but they weren’t founded by actual Dominicans. My OP SD explained that when the Fraternity was founded, they (the original Dominicans) convinced them to make a small change to the habit. So, the Fraternity placed a small white cross on the black hooded capelet.

Praying for you and your vocation…

Blessings,
Mrs Cloisters OP
Lay Dominican
http://cloisters.tripod.com/
http://cloisters.tripod.com/charity/

 

[JHFamily]

You certainly have time, and possibly, the Fraternity of Saint Vincent Ferrer may establish a foundation in the U.S. by the time you are ready to enter. Also, check out the Institute of Christ the King. I wouldn’t bother talking to your diocesan vocations director if you are interested in the EF.

Many Dominicans in the eastern province say the Dominican Rite on a regular basis. We have had several “fill in” for the priest who says the TLM for us when he is on vacation. They are fantastic.

I’d wait another year before contacting any of these. You will have another year of experience being Catholic and another year closer to being in a position to enter. I wouldn’t worry too much about making a wrong decision. God often gives us an attraction to what is best for us as long as we are in a state of sanctifying grace and truly trying to become holy.

 

[HeDa]

In some dioceses you need to be Catholic for at least three years before considering a vocation to the religious life or the priesthood. You most certainly need to be over 18 years old to enter into any formation.

There is nothing wrong in learning more of the faith or getting to know priests and those in religious life. Please, don’t get settled on a religious order yet that you are interested in. You are not an adult yet standing with both feet firmly on the ground. Take it slow and focus on your studies, making friends and hobbies like sport or art or whatever. Go to Mass, Adoration and of course Confession when you need to.