Getting 'involved'

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Sassanid

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Hello… first post.

I am very interested in becoming a more important part of the Church… I’d like to become a Priest (or a Deacon). I have great respect for His Catholic Church, and I want to be a part of teaching His word. The problem I have is that I simply am unable to rid my heart of the idea of getting married at one point, and having a family. It really does tear at me each night, when I think of this whole love thing (which I think is one of His greatest gifts to us), and this calling I have to help the Church.

I really don’t know what to do! I’m a confirmed Latin Rite Catholic… would there be a way I could go about finding a solution in one of the Eastern Rites? And if so, what can you tell me about them? How are they different than the Latin Rite?

But the main question is if there is a way for me to be involved with the Church, but not have to be celibate?

…sorry if this post has some confusing grammar in it… its 5:50 in the morning and I’m just now going to bed!
 
Pray this over carefully with God, and seek the advice of a spiritual director who can put you in touch with your diocesan track for potential seminarians–if that is truly your call. Have no fear because God will not call you to two vocations that mutually exclude one another. I don’t know that I would recommend changing rites over something like this.
 
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Sassanid:
Hello… first post.

I am very interested in becoming a more important part of the Church… I’d like to become a Priest (or a Deacon). I have great respect for His Catholic Church, and I want to be a part of teaching His word. The problem I have is that I simply am unable to rid my heart of the idea of getting married at one point, and having a family. It really does tear at me each night, when I think of this whole love thing (which I think is one of His greatest gifts to us), and this calling I have to help the Church.

!
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you do not become a priest or a deacon for any one of the reasons you listed. for that matter, you do not get married for that reason. These are all vocations, calls from God. If priesthood is your true calling and you are a member of the Roman rite which has a celibate priesthood, the Holy Spirit is not going to call you to two mutually exclusive states. The key to your problems is discernment, regular daily prayer and scripture reading, and a habit of mind that trusts Divine Providence and listens to God, discerning His will for your. If priesthood is your vocation, then the gift of celibacy is one of the benefits of ordination. If your vocation is marriage, to deny it for the priesthood would be a grave mistake. Permanent deacons may be married, but must have the consent of their wives and families, and may not remarry if their wife dies.
 
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Sassanid:
Hello… first post.

I am very interested in becoming a more important part of the Church… I’d like to become a Priest (or a Deacon). I have great respect for His Catholic Church, and I want to be a part of teaching His word. The problem I have is that I simply am unable to rid my heart of the idea of getting married at one point, and having a family. It really does tear at me each night, when I think of this whole love thing (which I think is one of His greatest gifts to us), and this calling I have to help the Church.

I really don’t know what to do! I’m a confirmed Latin Rite Catholic… would there be a way I could go about finding a solution in one of the Eastern Rites? And if so, what can you tell me about them? How are they different than the Latin Rite?

But the main question is if there is a way for me to be involved with the Church, but not have to be celibate?

…sorry if this post has some confusing grammar in it… its 5:50 in the morning and I’m just now going to bed!
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Sassanid, You should contact you Diocese. Just because you want to be a Deacon doesn’t mean you will be one over night. A large part of becoming a Deacon/Preist is discernment. At the seminary near me the entire 4 year process to become a Deacon involves alot of discernment. God bless you and I will say a prayer for you.
 
In terms of “involvement”, I have found a great deal of fulfillment in becoming a Lector at my parrish. I would suggest some sort of lay ministry to help you along in your discernment.

Peace - JP
 
I agree with JonPerry. There are many important things that lay people do in service to their Lord Jesus. There are not enough priests or deacons to handle the many ministries. Besides being a Reader, EM, or greeter at church. There are youth ministries, county jail and prison, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, hospitals, retirement homes Etc. that would appreciate your volunteer service. While you are serving, “The least” of His brothers and sisters, you may discern your true calling.

Deacon Tony
 
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