I want to be a priest, but I hear no calling

[crazydyl]

Hello Everyone

I am very confused about this ‘calling’ business. I see that the Catholic Church requires priests, but I cannot help the Church out in this way because I have no calling.

I have recently returned to the Church after 6 years out and I just want to do the best that I can. I am thinking more in the lines of logic rather than a spiritual calling. If the church requires more priests then I’d be happy to help out as one, but I don’t know what is going on… Am I not allowed to be one unless I have a calling? Should I just become a husband if I am not called? Is the Catholic Church shooting itself in the foot with this calling thing? Would there be more priests if you didn’t have to have a calling? I am good with figures and like to do things that are logical and this just seems a bit crazy to me I am a Catholic through logic, as there are scientifically proven miracles and there can only be love if there is a God - love is pointless to me without God and if we are here ‘because of a big bang’.

Dyl

 

[Julian0404]

Hello Everyone

I am very confused about this ‘calling’ business. I see that the Catholic Church requires priests, but I cannot help the Church out in this way because I have no calling.

I have recently returned to the Church after 6 years out and I just want to do the best that I can. I am thinking more in the lines of logic rather than a spiritual calling. If the church requires more priests then I’d be happy to help out as one, but I don’t know what is going on… Am I not allowed to be one unless I have a calling? Should I just become a husband if I am not called? Is the Catholic Church shooting itself in the foot with this calling thing? Would there be more priests if you didn’t have to have a calling? I am good with figures and like to do things that are logical and this just seems a bit crazy to me I am a Catholic through logic, as there are scientifically proven miracles and there can only be love if there is a God - love is pointless to me without God and if we are here ‘because of a big bang’.

Dyl

Quit all the chatter and apply to seminary. The application process and interviews will determine if you have are priestly material

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Quit all the chatter and apply to seminary. The application process and interviews will determine if you have are priestly material

To apply to a major seminary one must be sponsored by a diocese or religious order/community.

Also there are some things that are required to even apply, that would be 30 credits of philosophy and 12 credits of theology.

As for not feeling called, that means nothing.

The Call is not something we necessarily feel, it is something that comes from the Church.

When the Church, through the bishop or major religious superior calls a man forward for ordination then the Call is present.

The Call has nothing to do with feelings.

 

[PatriceA]

One doesn’t “just become a husband” either. Marriage is just as much of a vocation as becoming a priest. Its not like marriage is a default option. I would find a good spiritual director and start the discernment process to see if you are “called” to a religious vocation, to marriage, or to even the single life and serving the Church in that capacity.

 

[Flame_of_Christ]

“Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, Knock and the door shall be opened unto you.”

A.S.K.

 

[Dorothy]

There are many ways in which a vocation can be tested. Even in seminary, some applicants find out that they do not want to become priests…but they were wise to check it out. Marriage is a serious vocation as well.

One doesn’t necessarily hear voices or see visions telling them to become a priest or nun. It may just be a nagging thought…and one needs to give it more prayer, discussion with a spiritual director, and perhaps a retreat for more discernment.

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

Maybe speaking to your diocesean vocation director would be helpful. They are there to help you discern and could explain step by step how the discernment and formation process works in your diocese…for instance many would provide for philosophical training in a minor seminary- and then God-willing send the person to major seminary…it would not hurt to “investigate!” A “calling” might not be a thunderbolt- but an openness to follow the will of God whatever that might be is the prerequisite for any vocation!

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

P.S…It might also be helpful to learn more about religious life…in which some men are priests and some men are not…we need more religious too! God will show you His Will if you keep seeking it!!!

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

One more thing…too bad I don’t think of all of these things in my first post…develop your prayer life too! To be able to reason that there is a God is a great thing- but remember that this is a God Who wants you to encounter Him deeply and intimately- and wants to lead you to a place in His Body in which He can work through you for the good of the Church! Go to Eucharistic Adoration if it is available to you!!! And frequent the Sacraments- Grace through Christ is THE ANSWER to everything- including the mystery of our “calling.”

 

[Flame_of_Christ]

One more thing…too bad I don’t think of all of these things in my first post…develop your prayer life too! To be able to reason that there is a God is a great thing- but remember that this is a God Who wants you to encounter Him deeply and intimately- and wants to lead you to a place in His Body in which He can work through you for the good of the Church! Go to Eucharistic Adoration if it is available to you!!! And frequent the Sacraments- Grace through Christ is THE ANSWER to everything- including the mystery of our “calling.”

for a second I thought I was on facebook and I was going to click the “like” button for what you posted here sister in Christ.

the Lord bless you!

 

[crazydyl]

Cool

Does anyone know of any good bishops in the UK? I hear that bishops are stopping good men becoming priests? Are they all bad in the UK?

Dyl

 

[WhiteDove359]

for a second I thought I was on facebook and I was going to click the “like” button for what you posted here sister in Christ.

the Lord bless you!

liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!!! hahhaha that cracked me up… I too am thinking about priesthood, I have a long story (maybe 4 pages worth) of why…Ive gone so far that I decided to get in contact with the Vocation Director of my archdiocese. I just dont know what to expect. its in a few days…

 

[JeffersonD]

I wanted to tell you that I’m discerning the priesthood. First, if you want to be a priest to help out the Church then that’s the wrong attitude. It’s better for the Church to have fewer priests who are called then to have ample priests who are not. Second, call your vocations director, talk to them, and ask them if they could give you the names of some spiritual directors in your area. Third, are you praying? You must pray everyday so that you know God. God will lead you to your vocation. Sit in front of Jesus in Adoration and talk to Him like you would a friend.

I would like to give you the name of a book I’m reading called To Save a Thousand Souls, A guide for discerning the priesthood by Father Brett A. Brannen.

It’s a great book and really helps you look at your faith life so you can change and really figure the direction God is calling you. Remember you will never be happy unless you are doing the will of God.

 

[Flame_of_Christ]

liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!!! hahhaha that cracked me up… I too am thinking about priesthood, I have a long story (maybe 4 pages worth) of why…Ive gone so far that I decided to get in contact with the Vocation Director of my archdiocese. I just dont know what to expect. its in a few days…

praise God! thanks brother , you are in my prayers. Jesus will help you, this I know.

 

[WhiteDove359]

I met with the director yesturday, we talked about it. the meting could of gone better, its just that I was so nervous that I froze up and it was difficult for me to explain to him “my story”. I think I gave the preist the impression that I wasnt serious, and I think he probably thought “oh hes just a 20 year old, hes so young, hes someone that has a lot of idas about what he wants to do with his life, etc.”… he was a nice guy, just if I spent more time prepareing, he might of taken me more seriously. anways, I walked out of there with a bunch of brochures on discernment and about geting degrees in philosphy that sort of thing. he sai though that after 2 years go by, if im still feeling this way, then i should come back and meet with him again. he suggested I attend many discernment weekends or something of that sort at the seminary, which i think would be a good idea. I would love to go on a retreiet or pilgrimage…just dont know how or have the $$$

 

[Heliotropium]

To apply to a major seminary one must be sponsored by a diocese or religious order/community.

Also there are some things that are required to even apply, that would be 30 credits of philosophy and 12 credits of theology.

The Call has nothing to do with feelings.

I heard that the FSSP was taking High School graduates as well as individuals who have passed their GED.

As for the “calling” this happens for a whole list of vocations not just becoming a priest. We are called to be in the religious life, Holy orders, Married life, and even single. All off these are vocations that we are to discern to see which one we are called to. We do have the ability to ignore though our calling so not all of these vocations are filled with those individuals that should be in them but have been permitted to be their by Gods Will.

 

[Steven_John]

Hello Everyone

I am very confused about this ‘calling’ business. I see that the Catholic Church requires priests, but I cannot help the Church out in this way because I have no calling.

I have recently returned to the Church after 6 years out and I just want to do the best that I can. I am thinking more in the lines of logic rather than a spiritual calling. If the church requires more priests then I’d be happy to help out as one, but I don’t know what is going on… Am I not allowed to be one unless I have a calling? Should I just become a husband if I am not called? Is the Catholic Church shooting itself in the foot with this calling thing? Would there be more priests if you didn’t have to have a calling? I am good with figures and like to do things that are logical and this just seems a bit crazy to me I am a Catholic through logic, as there are scientifically proven miracles and there can only be love if there is a God - love is pointless to me without God and if we are here ‘because of a big bang’.

Dyl

Bless you for wanting to help but you might not understand what being a priest is.

I have a calling, i willing to die for the people he calls me for. to the glory of His name.

The church would not let me be a priest because i am married with children and deserting them wont do it.

But i have prayed and am considering if inspired so, i could leave the Catholic church keep my family become an Anglican minister then become a Catholic priest with a family.

Thats a plan but for having to tell lies.

Maybe your right being a Catholic priest is not about a call from G-d but fitting the box men create.

Bless ya

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Bless you for wanting to help but you might not understand what being a priest is.

I have a calling, i willing to die for the people he calls me for. to the glory of His name.

The church would not let me be a priest because i am married with children and deserting them wont do it.

But i have prayed and am considering if inspired so, i could leave the Catholic church keep my family become an Anglican minister then become a Catholic priest with a family.

Thats a plan but for having to tell lies.

Maybe your right being a Catholic priest is not about a call from G-d but fitting the box men create.

Bless ya

Just a note. Any Catholic who leaves the Catholic Church for “ordination” in other “Church” to get around canon law will most likely not be allowed to serve as a priest if they later return to the Catholic Church.

Again, the Call comes to us through the Church. If the Church does not Call then a calling is not present. If a man is married and part of the Latin Catholic Church then he is called to marriage and not the priesthood no matter what his “feelings” are.

God does not call those who can not serve.

 

[nsper7]

To the OP:

1. Talk to your parish Priest and give consideration to contacting your Diocese Vocation Office
2. Go to various Catholic websites that have tips and articles on vocations and have links and tests and such to learn more about the various options (i.e. Secular vs. Religious Priests and the various religious orders, societies of apostolic life, etc.). I know of at least one: vocationsplacement.org/ and I am sure others will have other sites to go to. Once you put your name on various lists and stuff, you’ll get contacted by all sorts of religious orders.
3. Talk/pray to Mother Mary and various Saints whose patronage is the Priesthood (saints.sqpn.com/patrons-of-priests/).
4. Talk to devout/orthodox Catholics, especially family and good friends, who know you well and ask what they think? Remember that discernment always occurs in community.