Good Religious Orders

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Madaglan

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Could someone tell me in their personal opinion which religious orders best fit what I describe below. I’m not really full-fledged in looking for a religious order to enter, but I haven’t discounted the possibility.

I’m presently a 21-year-old male undergraduate student at a moderately difficult college and am studying English Literature. However, my real passion is not literature per se, but rather history, religion, cultural studies, languages, etc. Although I am getting my B.A. in English within two months, I do not plan on going into graduate school right away; and even when I do go, I have no intention of pursuing a Masters in English Literature.

In any case, I have a 3.7 overall average. I have never really given much thought about becoming a parish priest. I still believe that I would not like remaining in one diocese my entire life. However, in the last few years I have come to realize that one can become a priest or join an order and not be restricted to parish work. One can become an educator or a missionary, among other religious occupations.

Ok, here are some things I’m looking for in an order were I to decide to join one:
  • I am rather shy (with social anxiety), especially among large crowds. I do not want to preach in front of large crowds on a regular basis–unless I were to do it with other people along with me.
  • I am interested in an order which has a reputation for being academic. I want to learn the original Greek, Hebrew and Latin, and to have a very good comprehension of Church history, theology, philosophy, etc. Some priests I talk with do not have a very good academic knowledge of these subjects. I am academically driven, and one of my primary goals, were I to join an order, would be to defend the Catholic faith from its detractors, past, future and present.
  • I prefer an order which does missionary work in other countries–preferably in South America, since my minor is Spanish.
  • I require an order that is known for its conservative religious views. In other words, I don’t want to join an order only to find out that many people in the order support of women priests, birth control, abortion, etc.
  • I desire an order in which its members are not overly restricted by a set schedule of prayer. I definitely do not want an order in which I spend my entire day indoors in an heavily-structured monastic community. I am much more interested in an order in which I could spend more time in Christian action (teaching, building houses, demolishing non-Catholic beliefs, etc.) than in contemplative prayer. In other words, I’d rather be a St. Francis de Sales than a St. Paul of Thebes.
Ok, that’s about all. I have actually thought about the Jesuits, since they’re the Army Rangers of the Catholic Church, and since they seem to provide all what I desire in terms of academics and mobility. However, I know (not just from Malachi Martin) that many Jesuits are fairly liberal in their beliefs. I still haven’t discounted joinin them, but overall I see them as too liberal. I have also thought about the Dominicans, but I don’t like the idea of a monastic life. In any case, I don’t want people to get the wrong impression that I’m 100% sure about joining the priesthood or an order. I have to resolve some issues before making such a large decision. I really want to join an order or the priesthood, but celibacy is admittedly a large jab in the stomach for me. I am already in a lot of pain since I don’t have a girlfriend; I’m not sure how I could deal with not having a girl for life. I’m also honestly fearful of gay clergy trying to come onto me were I to go to seminary–Btw, I’m 180 degrees straight.

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All orders have the potential to be good. Or bad, for that matter. Are you familiar with Fr. Michael Scanlan, former president of Fransican University? I think he talks about his vocational journey in his book Let the Fire Fall. You are approaching your vocation sort of the way he did until he got some excellent spiritual direction from Fr. Avery Dulles. Sorry, I can’t remember what he said exactly it but it was so wise. Fr. Scanlan also has written a book on discernment which might also be helpful to you.
 
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(sorry Blood Rain for wedging you in the middle!)

Another reason for being unsure right now is that my mom and sister have recently apostasized the Catholic faith, and I wouldn’t have much support from other family or friends were I to join. I have very few Catholic friends, and the ones I do have are not very strong in their faith. Yet another fear is that I don’t know enough about my faith right now. I’m still learning, and I’m probably less knowledgeable about the Bible than most people on these forums. I’ve been reading the Bible a lot the last few years since I never read it when younger.

A final fear is that I’d enter only to become discouraged and lose my faith in the Catholic Church, and in God. This would especially be the case if I run into priests who don’t have the joy, gentleness and love of the Spirit. It would also be the case if I have undue difficulty in my studies (as I do have some learning problems).

Please mention any good orders. Thanks! 👋
 
The LOC are definitely a conservative group from what I understand. I definitely want an order that maintains conservative beliefs. I am just a little concerned that the LOC would be too austere for me. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion. 😃
 
I don’t know enough to offer any suggestions, but I will be praying for you! I commend you for even considering a vocation knowing that your family might not be very supportive. God bless you. 🙂
 
Btw, is most seminary education free? Is it paid by the Church? Or do seminarians have to pay their way through?
 
I know that when you enroll in a diocesan seminary, you pay for your undergrad, but your 4 years of priestly formation are paid for by the diocese.

If you are looking for something in an order, I know several of these priests and they are magfnificent! Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

God bless you in your search!
Sue
 
Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy – aka Mercedarians. This is the order that I am applying to… great and solidly loyal to the Holy Father and Holy MOther Church.
 
I think another good choice would be the Servites (Servants of Mary). They are into education in a big way, are a missionary group, and are still considered pretty conservative.

Deacon Ed
 
It’s not a religious order, per se, but perhaps Opus Dei would suit your interests.

Though I do think that the Jesuits most readily appear to be where much of your combination of pursuits would immediately be thought to lie.
 
I say the FSSP OR Institute of Christ the King. The SSPX would also be good.
 
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katolik:
I say the FSSP OR Institute of Christ the King. The SSPX would also be good.
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Well, since SSPX is not in communion with Rome I don’t see how such a suggestion could be considered “good.”

Deacon Ed
 
Gld bless you for being open to the priesthood. Don’t forget, that if God calls you, He will equip you. You say you’re shy and don’t want to preach much (unless others are with you) but if that’s what God wants, He’ll give you the grace to do it. If you maintain a check list of what you want, how will know where God wants to challenge you? Go visit seminaries and houses of formation, talk to people in person. Spend a weekend if the seminary allows. Spend time in front of the tabernacle if possible. God will tell you what he wants. And it may surprise you. —KCT
 
Yeah, thanks every one for you help. Unfortunately I’m having significant health problems right now; so I won’t be able to decide on anything until I get all healthy. But thanks for giving me some ideas!
 
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chicago:
It’s not a religious order, per se, but perhaps Opus Dei would suit your interests.

Though I do think that the Jesuits most readily appear to be where much of your combination of pursuits would immediately be thought to lie.
Click to expand...
Opus Dei hand-picks their priests, and there’s no guarantee he would ever be able to even become a priest. He’d have to join first and then follow their plan for him, which may very well not include Holy Orders. In fact, I’d even say it’s highly unlikely that it would, considering that Opus Dei’s whole charism centers around staying right where you are, in your present circumstances, and sanctifying yourself in your professional work.
 
I would humbly suggest either the Society of the Divine Word (worldwide missionaries who educate and preach in small villages or inner city areas) or the Vincentians (St. John’s and DePaul universities). Both are heavily into Gospel-based stewardship, education and social welfare.
 
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chicago:
It’s not a religious order, per se, but perhaps Opus Dei would suit your interests.

Though I do think that the Jesuits most readily appear to be where much of your combination of pursuits would immediately be thought to lie.
Click to expand...
If you want a real and faithful to the Church order, saty away from the ones mentioned here, except, the Priestly fraternity of Saint Peter or the Institute of Christ the Kng which have been mentioned and are great! May I suggest two more which fit your own description, and at the same time are 100% faithful to the Pope and the Magisterium? Here goes: The Legionaries of Christ, and a great NEW similar congregation which has their novitiate and seminary in Maryland: The Institute of the Incarnate Word: www.iveamerica.org
 
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