I want to be a Catholic priest, but I am not sure if that is what God is calling me to be

[DiscerningStudent]

As I said in the title, I want to be a Catholic priest, but I am not sure if that is what God is calling me to be. I feel a desire to live a simple life in which I serve God and others. I feel like marriage could tie me down, as I want to be able to go somewhere at the drop of a hat in order to serve the Lord. My biggest concern is that God wants me to do something else with my life, instead of being a priest. I REALLY want to be a priest, but I want to follow God’s plan for me. Do you have any advice for me, besides praying, attending Mass, and speaking to people about my vocation? Thank you very much!

 

[catholic03]

My biggest concern is that God wants me to do something else with my life, instead of being a priest.

I just said this on another thread:

If you are truly called to be a priest, then eventually your call will be fulfilled.

As you have said - pray - meet your (arch)diocese’s vocations director - read books about the priesthood.

Ensure that you are open to other vocations as well.

 

[catholic03]

 

[blackforest]

I feel like marriage could tie me down . . .

I support you in whichever way God is calling you.

I’m going to speak as an observant lay Catholic here. Keep in mind that the priesthood ties you down, too. You would take orders from your bishop, as well as have a parish and quite likely a school to oversee. The work can be lonely and thankless, and you will need spiritual nerves of steal to fulfill it. I have no doubt that for the right person, it’s fulfilling, too.

I feel like marriage could tie me down, as I want to be able to go somewhere at the drop of a hat in order to serve the Lord.

Remember, too, that marriage is serving the Lord. Priests or not, we each have a vocation to fulfill. And believe me, marriage and family obligations can require you to “drop your hat” for the unexpected.

I understand that you have a strong yearning, but do remember that you can serve God wherever He calls you.

Do you have any advice for me, besides praying, attending Mass, and speaking to people about my vocation?

Have you spoken with your priest? If so, what did he tell you? How old are you? Have you contacted the vocations program at your diocese?

 

[Minks]

Welcome to CAF! We’re glad to have you aboard!

I do suggest that you remove your entire name and use only a nickname or first name, though, as people have a tendency to reveal little tidbits to strangers that they wouldn’t want broadcast to the world, but that’s what can occur when you use your last name.

Best wishes upon your discernment!

 

[DiscerningStudent]

Thank you very much for your thoughtful answer. I am about to be 17 years old. Since I want to be a Franciscan friar, I have looked at the formation process, but I am not sure when to reach out to a vocations program. I plan on reaching out to a priest who is a family friend in order to discuss my concerns.

 

[DiscerningStudent]

I will definitely look into that book, as I have been wondering about what books I should read. I attend Adoration weekly at a local parish, but have not gone on any vocation visit weekends.

 

[Kei]

If you are truly called to be a priest , then eventually your call will be fulfilled.

Are you saying it is impossible to reject your calling? What gives such confidence? I genuinely want to know.

 

[catholic03]

Are you saying it is impossible to reject your calling? What gives such confidence? I genuinely want to know.

I do think it is possible to reject the calling - but the original poster seems to be very passionate - and I think it is best to instill confidence in people.

 

[InThePew]

Since I want to be a Franciscan friar, I have looked at the formation process, but I am not sure when to reach out to a vocations program.

The process for entering a religious order (and subsequent formation) like the Franciscans can be a little more fluid than for diocesan priesthood. A couple of things to think about: first, the Franciscans are big on community life, apostolic poverty and simplicity. In particular, for them (like for some other orders too) a man is first and foremost a brother amongst other brothers and the priesthood is, in some ways, incidental to this. After all Francis himself was never ordained a priest!

Second, as the old joke goes only Rome knows what the Jesuits are thinking, how much money the Dominicans have or how many branches of the Franciscans there are! While all branches of the Franciscan family broadly follow the same charism how they interpret it can be very different between branches. In fact most (possibly all) of the reforms and branchings off have been about how to live the vow of poverty, with the result that they way in which the original Franciscans do this is very different to the way in which the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal do, for example. There are of course other key differences and it’s not about working out which is better in general, but rather which works best for you.

So I’d recommend that you get in touch with your nearest Franciscan community and talk to them about how best to discern your calling. They’ll be able to put you in touch with their vocations director but they’ll also be able to tell you more about their way of life and community which will help in considering whether that life might be something you feel called to.

 

[DiscerningStudent]

Thank you so much! I will definitely contact the nearest Franciscan community. Your advice clarified a lot of things for me.

 

[tomo_pomo]

Let me know how it goes, thank you