Mother scaring me out of the Priesthood?

[ATeutonicKnight]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Priesthood, and now that I’ve gathered enough self-esteem to think I could do it, I think my mother is trying to scare me out of it. She always mentions things I used to be worried about out of the blue. I’ll just be sitting down and watching a show and she’ll suddenly say something like, “I bet Seminary has a lot of psychology classes…” and things that used to make me think it was impossible for me to get through it. Is she trying to scare me out of the Priesthood? It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

 

[jmj1984]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Priesthood, and now that I’ve gathered enough self-esteem to think I could do it, I think my mother is trying to scare me out of it. She always mentions things I used to be worried about out of the blue. I’ll just be sitting down and watching a show and she’ll suddenly say something like, “I bet Seminary has a lot of psychology classes…” and things that used to make me think it was impossible for me to get through it. Is she trying to scare me out of the Priesthood? It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

Read that fatherdoyle.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/shall-i-be-a-priest.pdf and that fatherdoyle.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/vocations.pdf and pray to St Jean Vianney

 

[Will_S]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Priesthood, and now that I’ve gathered enough self-esteem to think I could do it, I think my mother is trying to scare me out of it. She always mentions things I used to be worried about out of the blue. I’ll just be sitting down and watching a show and she’ll suddenly say something like, “I bet Seminary has a lot of psychology classes…” and things that used to make me think it was impossible for me to get through it. Is she trying to scare me out of the Priesthood? It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

One of the things you should understand is that part of the function of a seminary is to ascertain, with your cooperation, whether or not you are truly called to the priesthood.

It is perfectly ok to enter the seminary without knowing for sure that the priesthood is your calling. So there is no reason for you to worry and doubt yourself. If you are interested, work with your vocations director or other responsible party (if, for example, you aren’t thinking of the diocesan priesthood) and see where things go.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

One of the things you should understand is that part of the function of a seminary is to ascertain, with your cooperation, whether or not you are truly called to the priesthood.

It is perfectly ok to enter the seminary without knowing for sure that the priesthood is your calling. So there is no reason for you to worry and doubt yourself. If you are interested, work with your vocations director or other responsible party (if, for example, you aren’t thinking of the diocesan priesthood) and see where things go.

I know. I’m almost 100% sure I’m called to it though. I’m just worried that my mother doesn’t want me to.

 

[Will_S]

I know. I’m almost 100% sure I’m called to it though. I’m just worried that my mother doesn’t want me to.

That doesn’t matter. You should try to handle with mother’s desires with tact, but parents can never legitimately frustrate a calling to the priesthood or to religious life.

 

[Skeptic92]

I know. I’m almost 100% sure I’m called to it though. I’m just worried that my mother doesn’t want me to.

If you truly believe you are called, then go, my parents know that when I come back from university (college you call it across the pond) I shall either go on to do a Masters/Doctorate, or be entering Seminary to go for the Priesthood.

and do not let the academics put you down, you do not have to pass the academics to be ordained, you just need to be knowledgeable enough on them to be able to preach effectively the teachings of the Church, with understanding!

 

[catholicmamajoy]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Priesthood, and now that I’ve gathered enough self-esteem to think I could do it, I think my mother is trying to scare me out of it. She always mentions things I used to be worried about out of the blue. I’ll just be sitting down and watching a show and she’ll suddenly say something like, “I bet Seminary has a lot of psychology classes…” and things that used to make me think it was impossible for me to get through it. Is she trying to scare me out of the Priesthood? It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

Like anyone else on here, I do not know for sure why your mom is bringing this up, but as a mom of a several boys and one in college, I would take a guess that she is wanting you to know all that may be involved with your vocation…not to discourage you, but to inform you out of her love for you. I know that when my son was discerning his career choice (several areas of public safety were in consideration), my husband and I wanted to make sure he had an understanding of “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in law enforcement and firefighting and what he was probably going to be exposed to on a regular basis.

From a mom’s point of view, she’s probably bringing up the psychology part because a lot of what you would do as a parish priest (provided you were assigned a parish) has to do with providing counseling and consolation to members of your parish (and anyone else that wanders into your Church or office). Obviously, providing the Sacraments is paramount, but
making sure you know what you will likely be doing the other hours in your endless day (and being comfortable doing it) is her looking out for you. Her vocation is to raise you and educate you while you are under her roof. It’s a mom thing!

The next time she mentions something, ask her what prompted her question and then use that opportunity to calm her fears about your vocation and calling.

 

[Julia_Mae]

It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

Because she doesn’t want you to go, of course. She wants you to get married and give her grandchildren and make big holiday dinners and… she’s had this whole scenario in mind pretty much all her life. Now you are going to go off and her whole dream dies. Now what’s she supposed to do with the rest of her life?

Of course, I’m not sure that’s it, but as a mom, it’s my guess. She might mot even know herself why she is discouraging you. Perhaps, with love, charity and a willingness to understand, you could talk to her. Listen to her. Not object, just listen. After all, it’s not like you are leaving tomorrow.

 

[mark_a]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Priesthood, and now that I’ve gathered enough self-esteem to think I could do it, I think my mother is trying to scare me out of it. She always mentions things I used to be worried about out of the blue. I’ll just be sitting down and watching a show and she’ll suddenly say something like, “I bet Seminary has a lot of psychology classes…” and things that used to make me think it was impossible for me to get through it. Is she trying to scare me out of the Priesthood? It seems that now that I’ve finally gained some self-esteem about myself she’s trying to tear it back down. What do I do if she is? And, most importantly, why?

How many brothers do you have?

 

[LoyalViews]

The Devil will use any means to sway us from glorifying God in any way. I’m not saying your Mother is possessed or anything, goodness no, but maybe he’s influencing her to say thing like that, just as he tempts us to sin? Or it could be she wants Grandchildren. Either way, you could talk with her and try to explain that it’s not your choice to become a Priest, it’s God who calls you and you are the one who answers.

God Bless :byzsoc:

 

[Skeptic92]

How many brothers do you have?

THIS is exactly why my mum doesn’t want me to enter seminary lol, trust me, if you have no Brother, or only 1, your mum will not be the most supportive at first! She wants Grandchildren that carry the family name

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

If you truly believe you are called, then go, my parents know that when I come back from university (college you call it across the pond) I shall either go on to do a Masters/Doctorate, or be entering Seminary to go for the Priesthood.

and do not let the academics put you down, you do not have to pass the academics to be ordained, you just need to be knowledgeable enough on them to be able to preach effectively the teachings of the Church, with understanding!

Thanks for the response. You really don’t need to pass the academics? Phew! I was so sure I was going to completely tank on philosophy.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

THIS is exactly why my mum doesn’t want me to enter seminary lol, trust me, if you have no Brother, or only 1, your mum will not be the most supportive at first! She wants Grandchildren that carry the family name

I have one brother and one sister who is currently dating. She has no reason to worry as my brother is dead-set on getting married.

 

[Skeptic92]

Thanks for the response. You really don’t need to pass the academics? Phew! I was so sure I was going to completely tank on philosophy.

No you don’t, the STB is actually a fairly easy degree, if you are sent for you STL or STD it becomes tricky, as the STB they can award at a fairly low pass grade, just means you have a fairly meaningless degree (at low levels, at high levels it’s a qualification held in high esteem world wide), but it shows your competent to preach on behalf of the Church is all.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Because she doesn’t want you to go, of course. She wants you to get married and give her grandchildren and make big holiday dinners and… she’s had this whole scenario in mind pretty much all her life. Now you are going to go off and her whole dream dies. Now what’s she supposed to do with the rest of her life?

Of course, I’m not sure that’s it, but as a mom, it’s my guess. She might mot even know herself why she is discouraging you. Perhaps, with love, charity and a willingness to understand, you could talk to her. Listen to her. Not object, just listen. After all, it’s not like you are leaving tomorrow.

Thank you for your response. You, as a mother, can understand where she is coming from. I just don’t understand why she would have this sort of reaction to it though. She used to laugh it off, but now that I’m almost dead-set on doing it and talking to other Priests about it, she’s starting to realize I’m serious about it.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

No you don’t, the STB is actually a fairly easy degree, if you are sent for you STL or STD it becomes tricky, as the STB they can award at a fairly low pass grade, just means you have a fairly meaningless degree (at low levels, at high levels it’s a qualification held in high esteem world wide), but it shows your competent to preach on behalf of the Church is all.

What does STL, STB, and STD stand for? I’ve never heard of these. Are these the degrees you get from finishing Seminary or something?

 

[Peggy_in_Burien]

Maybe, Sir Knight, she is playing “devil’s advocate,” to make sure that you are sure.

I am a mother of a son whom I would love to go to the priesthood. God has not called him, yet. If, however, my son came to me and told me he wanted to be a priest, I would most likely challenge him on as many aspects of the priestly life as I could think of, not because I wouldn’t want him to be a priest, but I would want to make sure he really wanted to be a priest.

I did this, also, when my husband was discerning converting to Catholicism. I wanted him to be sure he really wanted to be Catholic. I wanted my husband to know what kind of intolerance he would be facing from his anti-Catholic parents and family. He became a Catholic and a very strong one, too. He was able to stand up to his considerable family.

When my younger daughter wanted to follow in my steps and join the Air Force, I did the same. I told her all the things I’d gone through, the discipline and the loneliness that she would face. She went in with her eyes open.

If you truely desire to be a priest; if God has truely called you, you will not shrink away just because your mother, in the goodness of her love for you, challenges you. You will search your soul, just as she wants you to do, and you will face these challenges like the Christian that you are. If she says that you must take classes that you fear, then you must face those fears. You can do this! Your mother wants you to look at the priestly life, which is not for the weak of heart, with open eyes and an informed head, so that you can make yourself ready to go to the seminary.

And like the other poster said, you do not have to be absolutely sure that God is calling you. You may have that doubt for awhile. My uncle entered the seminary, then became aware that it was not the calling for him. He left, married my dear aunt, and fathered my four wonderful cousins. One of his sons, also, went to the seminary, but God revealed to him that his calling was not to the priesthood. He, too, married and fathered three children. His son is now in the seminary and will be ordained next spring.

As I told my son, during his education: it is better to be ready for God’s call, even to going to the seminary–even if you aren’t called to that vocation–than to not be open to the call at all.

I will be praying for you, Sir Knight.

 

[the_phoenix]

Praying for your vocation from today’s Liturgy of the Hours
on this Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:

Eternal Son of the Father, you came to bring fire to the earth and it was your will that it should be lit:
grant that we may do what is true and come to your light.
– Lord, save us by your cross.

 

[Skeptic92]

What does STL, STB, and STD stand for? I’ve never heard of these. Are these the degrees you get from finishing Seminary or something?

STB=Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus)
STL= Licentiate of Sacred Theology, this is your license to teach Sacred Theology in any Catholic/Pontifical University or Seminary it stands for Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus
STD=Doctor of Sacred Theology, it is a PhD in Sacred Theology basically,it stands for Sacrae Theologiae Doctor, and gives the holder the title Doctor, every Bishop has a doctorate in either Philosophy Sacred Theology or Canon Law.

You will only attain an STB at Seminary, your Bishop sends you for the other two, or you request to be sent to Rome to further your studies.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

STB=Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus)
STL= Licentiate of Sacred Theology, this is your license to teach Sacred Theology in any Catholic/Pontifical University or Seminary it stands for Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus
STD=Doctor of Sacred Theology, it is a PhD in Sacred Theology basically,it stands for Sacrae Theologiae Doctor, and gives the holder the title Doctor, every Bishop has a doctorate in either Philosophy Sacred Theology or Canon Law.

You will only attain an STB at Seminary, your Bishop sends you for the other two, or you request to be sent to Rome to further your studies.

Oh, okay. Honestly, being sent to Rome seems like the obvious option, since it is after all, Rome.