How will God let me know my vocation?

[nocoastlayman]

Obviously through prayer, but is their anyway to get a definite sign. My issue is that since this past december I started to seriously feel that maybe I had a calling. While I haven’t made any definite steps yet (I have a whole host of issues that I want to sort out and I know I need to talk to a vocation director in my diocese) I still feel like it might be where i’m called.

Here is the big issue though. I have been talking with a wonderful woman and we just had our first “date” and its a little difficult to date since she lives 2 hours away. The thing is she is a wonderful woman and while I’m not head over heels, I do like her in a sense and could see myself being with her. I still feel this kind of call to at least try and see if I would be eligible for the priesthood (as of right now I still have debt and I also am receiving counseling for anxiety, and I know that might be an impediment)

I guess I just don’t know what God wants. I’m starting to pray a rosary for vocations again and hoping to talk with my spiritual director soon. Any tips? Also am I wrong in wanting to date this girl even if I’m thinking I have a calling to the priesthood? I mean I’m not committed or anything. I’m just discerning

 

[JamalChristophr]

First of all, I’d tell this gal you are discerning up front so you don’t break her heart.

Seondly, you might consider an eight day Ignatian retreat, or some type of silent retreat where you can speak with a spiritual director about this.

Additionally, there are vocation retreats that most all diocese have, I think.

Contact the vocations director for your diocese.

 

[oldgraymare2]

Hi nocoastlayman,

I think that it’s great that you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood!

I would personally continue to meet with your vocations director and your spiritual director, too.

I also think that our fellow poster Jamal gave you some great advice, and I was actually going to post the same thing regarding letting the young lady know–who you are dating–that you are discerning–so that she knows about it.

Whenever I am praying for help with an important decision and am asking for God’s help, I always ask Him for “His Will to be done.”

He loves us so much, and wants what is best for each one of us.
Jeremiah 29:11 came into my head while I was writing this:

This is from the Bible Hub website:
biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-11.htm

New International Version
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I feel that when God shows me the way or is answering me, He gives me a sense of peace or calm in my heart, regarding what I should do.

Sometimes what will also happen too, is that something will happen very easily in response, that had been difficult before.

In other words, things will start to “line up” that seemed to be “all tangled up” before.

May God bless you. I wish you all of the best!