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BarbTh
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Canon Law covering vows including private vows (includes dispensations):
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4E.HTM
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vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4E.HTM
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csrcia
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Thank you for sharing this section of the Canon Law. I am still learning about RC, having felt drawn towards it over the last couple of years. My vow of celibacy is currently a simple vow. i feel that you are right about seeking spiritual direction over the matter. I will arrange an appointment to discuss this with my priest.
As far as my own journey towards celibacy is concerned, I have never felt drawn towards dating, marrying, or raising a family. In fact, since becoming curious about the faith, I find myself drawn to the priesthood or a religious order, and have been told by a few people that I should consider both. However, it is up to God to decide which path I take.
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BarbTh
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Hi Csrcia
Apologies but I have not read all of this thread. If you are not as yet a baptised Catholic, it will probably be around at very least 2 - 3 years after baptism and confirmation before you could be considered for the priesthood or religious life.
Important that you do seek regular spiritual direction. I would tend to agree that if you feel draw to priesthood or a religious order (and in religious orders, there can be ordination into the priesthood). If you are already Catholic, then I would suggest you speak to your diocesan vocations director.
Spot on that it is up to God 's Invitation which path you take and God’s indications can be difficult at times to discern - God indeed can write straight in very crooked lines. Not only this, most often especially in the case of priesthood and/or religious order, there can be many temptations indeed to not take up God’s Invitation, to even consider one does not have one at all - and endless variations inbetween.
Since you are not in the priesthood and/or religious life and your vow accepted by a legitimate superior in the name of The Church, your vow would be a private vow and fall under:
Can. 1192 §1. A vow is public if a legitimate superior accepts it in the name of the Church; otherwise, it is private.
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BarbTh
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I omitted to finish the above sentence - i.e. if you feel drawn to the priesthood or religious life, that you discern both. This sort of problem (i.e. which vocation) can be sorted out with spiritual direction.
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csrcia
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Hello BarbTh
Thank you for posting the link to the Canon Law. I am in agreement with you that my vow is a private one and, yes, I am not yet a baptised Catholic. I’m still new to the faith, and the times I have attended Mass and other services have felt like a homecoming. It would be good to have my vow accepted in the name of the Church. I am wondering, however, whether celibacy and chastity are two different things.
As for my calling, I am glad that there is a three year period between baptism/confirmation and being considered for religious life or the priesthood. I’m still relatively young, though I know in my heart that God is not calling me for anything other than to serve Him.
Thank you for posting the link to the Canon Law. I am in agreement with you that my vow is a private one and, yes, I am not yet a baptised Catholic. I’m still new to the faith, and the times I have attended Mass and other services have felt like a homecoming. It would be good to have my vow accepted in the name of the Church. I am wondering, however, whether celibacy and chastity are two different things.
As for my calling, I am glad that there is a three year period between baptism/confirmation and being considered for religious life or the priesthood. I’m still relatively young, though I know in my heart that God is not calling me for anything other than to serve Him.
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e_c
Guest
Perhaps it is wise to slow down before making such vows - both until you are in full communion with the Church, and you understand what you are saying and doing by making them. Vows are a serious business - they are not to be taken lightly… They aren’t mere resolutions, and understanding the difference between chastity (which is a moral demand on everyone in one degree or another) and celibacy is important. Usually we should “let our yes mean yes and our no mean no.” If by what you are doing you mean you firmly intend to refrain from illicit relationships, that is a good thing, but it is not matter for a vow… it is simply what everyone is called to. A vow is an oath to forego one good for a greater good, and it binds under pain of sin.Hello BarbTh
Thank you for posting the link to the Canon Law. I am in agreement with you that my vow is a private one and, yes, I am not yet a baptised Catholic. I’m still new to the faith, and the times I have attended Mass and other services have felt like a homecoming. It would be good to have my vow accepted in the name of the Church. I am wondering, however, whether celibacy and chastity are two different things.
As for my calling, I am glad that there is a three year period between baptism/confirmation and being considered for religious life or the priesthood. I’m still relatively young, though I know in my heart that God is not calling me for anything other than to serve Him.
You may find a chat with your parish’s pastor helpful.
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csrcia
Guest
Hi,Perhaps it is wise to slow down before making such vows - both until you are in full communion with the Church, and you understand what you are saying and doing by making them. Vows are a serious business - they are not to be taken lightly…
You may find a chat with your parish’s pastor helpful.
I think you’re right. I have given it some thought, but I’ll have a chat with my priest. He’s been supportive of my conversion so far
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