Dear friend,
here are links that I hope will provide food for thought and courage to take a step forward:
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In the question and answer session at the end Archbishop Chaput was asked this question: “What would be your advice for someone considering priestly life?” It’s at 40.55.
HBU Presents An Evening with Archbishop Chaput
youtube.com/watch?v=wEMHWy9urzU
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This is an excerpt from Bishop Louis Morrow’s book, “My Catholic Faith” p. 347. Since it’s from 1958, some things, e.g. education, might not apply. Emphasis in original.
- What are some of the preliminary signs of a vocation to the priesthood?
Some of the preliminary signs of a vocation to the priesthood are:
First, that a boy or young man be capable of living habitually in the state of grace;
Second, that he be attracted to the priesthood and manifest the attraction by frequent confession and communion, by a virtuous life, by a love of serving Mass, teaching catechism, helping others to be good Catholics.
Those who are called by God to be priests ordinarily receive no special revelation to this effect. God expects all to use the gifts of reason and of grace in determining their state of life.
Third, that he has a right intention to save his soul and the souls of others; that he has good health and suffienct ability to succeed in the studies of the seminary; and that his qualifications be accepted by the bishop.
- What are some of the requirements, that a man may receive Holy Orders worthily?
That a man may receive Holy Orders worthily, it is necessary:
- That he be in the state of grace and be of excellent character. “Excellent character” implies good will and virtuous conduct, as well as good sense.
**Good sense **is needed if a priest is to do good to souls. The delicate functions exercised by a priest, especially as a judge of souls, would exclude from priesthood a person of an unbalanced disposition, or one who is wanting in prudence.
- That he have the **prescribed age **and learning. To be ordained a priest, one must have completed his twenty-fourth year of age. The prescribed learning for the priesthood ordinarily consists of four years of college after high school, and four years of theology completed in a seminary.
A man must have a **good mind **in order to make successfully the studies for the priesthood. Besides, here in our country as elsewhere, the priest is almost always compelled to defend the doctrines of the Church from attacks of its enemies.
- That he have the intention of **devoting his life **to the sacred ministry. This includes willingness to bear whatever burdens and difficulties Holy Orders may bring, for the love of God. It presupposed sincerity in the intention to devote his entire life.
No one should enter the priesthood because his parents have forced it on him. On the other hand, no one should abandon a desire to become a priest just because other people oppose it. One must enter the priesthood of his own free will, because he loved God and believes it is the best way to save his own soul, and other souls for Christ. It would be very wrong to become a priest just to assure oneself of a living.
- That he be **called to Holy Orders **by his bishop. The bishop must be satisfied that the applicant has the virtue and the physical as well as mental fitness required and that he is free from all canonical irregularity. In general if a young man has good will, good health, a good mind, good sense, and a sincere desire to dedicate himself to the service of God, he has the qualifications necessary for the priesthood.
It is not necessary, in order to become a worthy priest, to receive a direct call from God.
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You might also want to read Bishop Ullathorne’s second discourse “The Discourse Delivered at the Third Diocesan Synod of Birmingham, in the year 1864” for a wonderful piece on the priesthood. It starts on page 11.
books.google.com/books?id=sMEzAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ullathorne+ecclesiastical+discourses&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fJL3UJeTB-LIigK1uIGgDQ&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA
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Something that struck me in my own discerning for religious life, was the fact that it’s not a one way street, but a mutual discernment process on the part of the community/order and the person, so I heartily recommend getting in touch with the community you’re interested in.
May God bless and guide you!
amsjj
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Jesus, God and man,
imprisoned by love in Thy most holy Sacrament,
have mercy upon us.
- Blessed John Henry Newman, December 22, 1851
Tú y yo sabemos por la fe que oculto en las especies sacramentales está Cristo,
ese Cristo con su Cuerpo, con su Sangre, con su Alma, y con su Divinidad,
prisonero de amor.
- San Josemaría Escrivá, 1 junio 1974
… Our Lord Himself frequently said; and it is recorded as an Apostolic tradition from Him by St. Justin the Martyr. He says ‘Jesus often said, “They who are near Me are near a fire”’.
- Abp. W. B. Ullathorne, August 1st 1886
