Discernment of Lay Ministry

[joandarc2008]

Ok, this may be a bit of a long story. I was cofirmed in 2008 but raised both Catholic and Protestant. I made my choice to receive the Sacraments as an adult. I always had the idea that I would go on to become a doctor. God had other plans.

When I returned home from Iraq in 2005 the week before I was due to take my MCATs I had my first grand mal seizure. I am now a service connected disabled veteran. I have struggled for the last five years to get the correct treatment and during that time I also met a great man and got married. I have two Bachelor’s degrees and have a job that I am not really happy with.

Well, I thought I would try my hand at going back to become a Physician Assistant. I had put all my applications in. After the last Emmaus Retreat I was on I started to question that as I really felt as I was on the wrong path. I then found out I was not accepted to the programs I had applied for.

Meanwhile in the Army Reserves I had changed my job from medic to Chapain’s Assistant. I met a Priest who is retired who is a snowbird down in this area who also served in the military. When I spoke to him about all of this - he suggested a couple of ways I could go with this. He also suggested a school with onlne program or a masters. He also suggested I get in touch with Archdiocese and see what they may be needing. He highly encouraged me to do this and felt it was good. He also has become a gift from God to my husbnd and I.

Anyway I would just like some advice and feedback at this point. Thank you and God bless.

 

[linnie]

First of all…Thank you for your service to our country. As a veteran myself (Vietnam Era) I have a special place in my heart for fellow servicewomen. So thank you!

Second…how fortunate you are to have advice, counsel, and direction from the retired priest. I think that he gave you very good guidance. I’m also searching for my niche, my ministry. I think I know which way God is sending me, but I’m still not sure.

Consulting your Archdiocese really does seem a wise way to go. I pray that you find your place in God’s plan, I’m confident that you will.

blessings, linnie

 

[whatevergirl]

*I really believe joan, that this could be God’s will in your life. The fact that this has been such a large part of your thinking and actual everyday life for so long, tells me this is something near and dear to your heart, and it sounds like the doors are opening with this retired priest willing to help. I would definitely look into this, and go for it, if this is something you feel God is leading you to do. Thank you for your service to our country…I think that is so neat that you have done this with your life. Bless you! :hug1:

Keep us posted as this goes along. *

 

[joandarc2008]

Thank you all so far that have posted and the couple that have PM’d. I think it would be weird for me not to ask for (name removed by moderator)ut here as I have only been in my Parish area for a year and I have been on here since before my confirmation.Some of you I have even known that long Some of the people I have even liked and respected But all I have loved Thanks.