I am sure you have heard it before... many times

[Jeepmeade]

Ever since 7th grade I have felt a distinct, strong call to being an Augustinian Monk. This original call scared me and I ran away from God for 4 years. I came back to God through an evangelical para-Church organization. Ended up going to a Protestant college where I was challenged to find God’s call for myself which is when through prayer and devotion I was brought back to the Catholic Church.
And through that I was reminded, by God, of my original calling as an Augustinian. And I have no doubt in my mind that this is where God wants me to be.
Now the problem… I have been dating a beautiful girl for over 2 years and now I have the question of becoming a priest when I love this girl.
I grew up in a divorced home so in a way I feel that one way (becoming a priest) is what God has designed me for, and the other way (marriage / family) is what I deserve since I have never had a family really and this is my chance.
I have been talking to an Augustinian monk who first introduced me to Christ back in 7th grade, and have been praying but I fear I am stuck in a situation of vanity vs. faith. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help in making this decision? My girlfriend knows about this, and she has been praying for me with everything and has been extremely supportive but its been hard on her waiting for me to make this decision. I still have 3 semesters left in my degree program, in which time I will need to choose a direction.
But since I go to a Protestant university I need to intern at a Protestant church… but thats another story.
Any help and prayers would be greatly appreciated, thank you everyone!
God Bless,
Tyler

 

[JaneFrances]

Hey Tyler,

I am a firsthand witness to a young man who has struggled with such issues in his discernment. . .Yours is a cross and a blessing!

You know your cross very well. And from your post, I see that you are keenly aware of your many blessings.

First, your girlfriend is seemingly a strong and godly young woman. I can not imagine being on her side of the scale, as it were. I would caution you, however, not to take for granted this young woman’s love, support, and time. This could mean a number of different things–only you can know how to discern this.

Your blessings are abundant in that you have before you two very distinct vocations in which you can serve God in many varied ways. Only serious self-examination, deep prayer, and quieting your spirit will render your answer. You have said that your feel that you “deserve” a family. This one statement alone deserves much consideration.

Is our vocation always the one we “deserve”? Does our loving Father call us according to what we deserve?

My prayers are with you at this moment.

And on another note. . .Is a Protestant university better or worse than a secular one? I honestly don’t know. I attended a secular one. My husband a Protestant one. My siblings both secular and Catholic. . .interesting questions???!!! I wonder how your experience at a Protestant university affects your Catholic faith?

 

[Jeepmeade]

Is a Protestant university better or worse than a secular one? I honestly don’t know. I attended a secular one. My husband a Protestant one. My siblings both secular and Catholic. . .interesting questions???!!! I wonder how your experience at a Protestant university affects your Catholic faith?

It has been very positive. My first semester there due to the fundamentalists I actually fell away from Catholicism because I didn’t question the profs. But my Dad encouraged me to question to find the answers for myself so I started doing research and the Spring semester I took Church History and started to learn. My Catholic walk has been strengthened at this University. EVERYONE has to get a degree in Bible, even if you go there for teaching you still get a second degree in Bible, its mandatory. The professors are mainly Evangelical but most of them have many Catholic beliefs which has been really cool. Not only that but they are supportive of us that are Catholic (5 of us) to use supporting texts in our papers such as the Catechism and founding Church fathers.
Many of the other students have attended mass with us which was followed by an abundance of questions resulting in one of them converting and other becoming much more respectful of Catholics.

If you have any questions about attending this Protestant university feel free to ask any questions. This university has been the best thing possible for my faith. The professors are amazing, they dont just teach strictly Protestant views but also Catholic and show what the Orthodox believe. It has been a blessing to be there.