Discernment for an older man

[dsegal2009]

Hi. My name is Dave Segal. I have felt a strong call to become a religious for many years (I am now 59). However, I chose to get married instead. That marriage, which lasted for 12 years, is about to end in divorce and annulment.

The call, however, has never ended.

I am too old to become a priest, and nearly to old to become a deacon. Does anyone know of any religious orders that would accept a postulant or novice of my age?

I have been very active in my parish. I also have more than thirty years of experience as a professional journalist in radio and print.

Thanks for your help.

Dave Segal
970-417-0300

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

Hi. My name is Dave Segal. I have felt a strong call to become a religious for many years (I am now 59). However, I chose to get married instead. That marriage, which lasted for 12 years, is about to end in divorce and annulment.

The call, however, has never ended.

I am too old to become a priest, and nearly to old to become a deacon. Does anyone know of any religious orders that would accept a postulant or novice of my age?

I have been very active in my parish. I also have more than thirty years of experience as a professional journalist in radio and print.

Thanks for your help.

Dave Segal
970-417-0300

I did a search on Religiouslife.com for those orders who accept belated male vocations. Without knowing the charism or ministry you are interested in, I just looked for belated vocations. There are 17 orders who will consider belated vocations. To discover your options, go to this website:

religiouslife.com/vocationsearch.html

It will pull orders from a database. Hope this helps! God bless you!

 

[graceandglory]

Hi. My name is Dave Segal. I have felt a strong call to become a religious for many years (I am now 59). However, I chose to get married instead. That marriage, which lasted for 12 years, is about to end in divorce and annulment.

The call, however, has never ended.

I am too old to become a priest, and nearly to old to become a deacon. Does anyone know of any religious orders that would accept a postulant or novice of my age?

I have been very active in my parish. I also have more than thirty years of experience as a professional journalist in radio and print.

Thanks for your help.

Dave Segal
970-417-0300

I’m sure if your earthly responsibilities are “paid” there are many orders that would take you.

You might consider a third order.

 

[graceandglory]

I met an “older” priest who was relatively new as a priest. He had never married, but was about your age I think when he became a priest.

 

[ack]

I did a search on Religiouslife.com for those orders who accept belated male vocations. Without knowing the charism or ministry you are interested in, I just looked for belated vocations. There are 17 orders who will consider belated vocations. To discover your options, go to this website:

religiouslife.com/vocationsearch.html

It will pull orders from a database. Hope this helps! God bless you!

There are many orders and dioceses that will accept older men to be ordained. Here is another recent thread with more information: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=284085

Note that the above database only shows you religious congregations that have affiliated themselves with the Institute on Religious Life. The list shown by that website is not complete in any way.

 

[Anonymous83]

I would also advise you to check out vocation-network.org/. You can fill out their short questionnaire on what you are personally searching for, and they will match you to various orders. Like “ack” said, not all these databases are all inclusive. I would also ask your priest what orders he would recommend as well. God bless you!

 

[odubhghail]

Have you considered Glenmary?

 

[Angel_Bradford]

Dave, you are not too old. Contact the vocations director for your diocese and discuss your situation with him.