My vocation to priesthood is being slightly blocked. Need insights on this matter

[Domiy]

You’re not willing to give up your pride. You believe that you know better than anyone else what being a Franciscan and a priest requires, even though you are neither a Franciscan nor a priest.

This has nothing to do with pride, just my sense of strong feelings about how I see the matter (for my own good). I’l admit, completing my degree is not something I would like to do; it has gotten to the point where it’s hard to imagine attending classes and doing projects that involve looking for jobs and memorizing worthless information. Previously, my professors, peers and friends had all commented on the fact that the only reason to look to complete it would be so I can attain a job in the field. However, with that possibly out of the scenario I don’t see the use, especially seeing as seminary training goes for 6-8 years I’d be losing valuable time in my mission.

I never said I would leave it to CAF to decide. I’l discuss the issue more with my priest and parents, and my feelings would ultimately come from what I think God wants of me. I hope people can understand and respect that. I know God has some great plans for me, and completing a degree in a field like Business would definitely leave me open to more possibilities in life. However, I don’t know how I would feel about that in the future; I’d be a Franciscan ideally, so it wouldn’t be in my nature to think from a ‘money-business’ point of view for the sake of the Church. The way I see it, any business dealings that the Church needs can be left to the Vatican; I’m entering priesthood to get away from the whole money-making and strategic way of the world. Priests should only be in charge of basic budgeting and finances for their assigned parish, which anyone can realistically do or learn without the slightest clue of business. I’m not sure I’d feel right about my bishop’s ‘potential’ plans for using my background to be some sort of super-priest money-making Church-advertising strategic-thinking budget-efficient businessmen. If I felt I could help the Church that way, I’d do so as a parishioner. Otherwise, all I see my business degree as right now is a foolish choice I made when I was younger and under pressure to do something with my life. I’m glad for the experience it’s given me thus far, but other than that I still see it as just a foolish dream that I had as a young kid before I began to really take my faith seriously. I entered University at the same time that I thought having a girlfriend and making lots of money whatever way possible was a good idea as well; I was wrong about everything else, so I’d inclined to think I was wrong about this as well.

As I said, I appreciate everyones concern and response, but I didn’t ask for a binding decision and bombardment of reasons. I simply asked for an opinion and gave my own in response. If I were a priest one day and advising somebody in my position who was looking to enter the priesthood but had a relationship going, I don’t think I’d be justified to say “go and attain some more relationship experience first and then come into the seminary”, even though it sounds crazy enough to work. Priests need to know more about relationships than they do about budgeting and business, and relationship stuff can’t be taught, but you’d never hear a spiritual director say that for the good of the Church a seminarian should have at least been in a relationship before. I think the best thing to say would be: “take what you have learned so far and use it, there’s no need to be running in the other direction if you feel a call towards God”. Most people called me crazy when I broke up with my long-term girlfriend all of a sudden, and for a while I questioned myself over that very decision. But it led me to a whole new outlook on life, one that ultimately strengthened my relationship with God and helped me realize my calling. It is for this reason that I trust my own judgement; it hasn’t steered me wrong so far, and I don’t see why I should go against it when I have the best adviser of all pulling me towards His will; God.

ACTS 5:28 tells us that we should listen to God, not men. I’m not saying that I know what God wants without a doubt, but praying for His will to be done has led me here with strong feelings so far, so I’l continue to do so and see where it takes me. I’m aware that my spiritual director may be wiser and more experienced than I am, but He doesn’t know God’s will for me. The only person who can figure out what God wants of me is me.

 

[aemcpa]

However, with that possibly out of the scenario I don’t see the use, especially seeing as seminary training goes for 6-8 years I’d be losing valuable time in my mission.

I have personally known at least 20 men who have started in college and entered seminary. In none of those cases did abandoning a college degree program prior to its completion lead to being ordained more quickly. Having a degree will enable to enter major seminary more quickly and the time will probably be a wash or even save you time.

However, I don’t know how I would feel about that in the future; I’d be a Franciscan ideally, so it wouldn’t be in my nature to think from a ‘money-business’ point of view for the sake of the Church.

I think the Franciscans get a say in it too, so don’t count your chickens just yet.

The way I see it, any business dealings that the Church needs can be left to the Vatican; I’m entering priesthood to get away from the whole money-making and strategic way of the world. Priests should only be in charge of basic budgeting and finances for their assigned parish, which anyone can realistically do or learn without the slightest clue of business.

This is incredibly naive.

 

[Gorgias]

This has nothing to do with pride, just my sense of strong feelings about how I see the matter (for my own good).

Hmm… well, inasmuch as you’re saying that you know best, this is the opposite of humility; so there is some aspect of pride here.

However, with that possibly out of the scenario I don’t see the use

And if your advisors and spiritual direction do see the value? What then?

, especially seeing as seminary training goes for 6-8 years I’d be losing valuable time in my mission.

You’d be losing a year, right? Not really evidence of “losing valuable time in mission”, compared to a lifetime of service to Christ and his Church, no?

I’l discuss the issue more with my priest and parents, and my feelings would ultimately come from what I think God wants of me.

Be ready for a shock in the years ahead: when you’re in discernment and formation, “what I think” is rarely the measure that you’re called to accept.

I’m entering priesthood to get away from the whole money-making and strategic way of the world.

“I want to get away from the world” is often a red flag for formators; unless you’re looking to be a cloistered monk, “getting away” is at odds with the mission to evangelize the world…

If I were a priest one day and advising somebody in my position who was looking to enter the priesthood but had a relationship going, I don’t think I’d be justified to say “go and attain some more relationship experience first and then come into the seminary”,

Romantic relationships are diametrically opposed to promises of celibacy or vows of chastity; a business degree isn’t opposed to a personal vow of poverty.

you’d never hear a spiritual director say that for the good of the Church a seminarian should have at least been in a relationship before.

Actually, you’d be surprised…

it led me to a whole new outlook on life, one that ultimately strengthened my relationship with God and helped me realize my calling.

OK – this is my usual mantra around here, so I’ll let fly: you haven’t realized your calling, at least not yet! You haven’t even started formal discernment, so you can’t say for sure that you’re called to the priesthood. At best, you can reasonably say that you feel that God is calling you to discern.

I’m aware that my spiritual director may be wiser and more experienced than I am, but He doesn’t know God’s will for me. The only person who can figure out what God wants of me is me.

Wow. Just… wow. :nope:

In all charity: work on humility. It may be your greatest challenge in your experience of discernment and formation…

 

[Domiy]

I have personally known at least 20 men who have started in college and entered seminary. In none of those cases did abandoning a college degree program prior to its completion lead to being ordained more quickly. Having a degree will enable to enter major seminary more quickly and the time will probably be a wash or even save you time

I finally got into contact with my parents and they confirmed that many people from where they’re from have entered seminary immediately after finishing high-school, so I don’t know where that whole “requirement of a bachelor” is being cited from. And from what I understand (I may be wrong), time in the seminary is only shortened if the person has credit hours in the field of theology or philosophy. Otherwise, it sounds like I’d be starting from scratch either way.

I think the Franciscans get a say in it too, so don’t count your chickens just yet.

That’s true…I guess it’s up to them, but keeping in mind they’re strict on the vow of poverty, I can’t imagine they’d be ecstatic for one of their brothers to be employed as a money-maker type priest.

This is incredibly naive.

May I ask why you think that? Perhaps were just from two different worlds (or countries), but the way I see it, the Church shouldn’t succumb too heavily to the modern pressures of the world. I admit that in some areas it needs to be smart and business-like for it’s own survival, but I don’t think that needs to be something applied at every parish throughout the world. They’re not running a franchise of sandwich stores, it’s a Church for crying out loud! And it’s one that believes in poverty and simplicity; nothing else matters but our dedication and work to Christ. Yes, there will need for money and assistance, but as I said, the Vatican is pretty good at making money so I wouldn’t say it’s much of an issue that every individual priest should be trained in. My local Church is completely taken care of by the community; if something gets damaged or needs to be done, whoever has the means to do it will gladly offer their time and money as part of their duty as a Catholic. I’ve known all too many priests who weren’t the best accountants or public relations officers, but when someone needed help or advice, they were there, and they were pretty darn good priests even though they grew up sleeping in the poverty and war struck streets of Europe were laughter, enjoyment, or education weren’t even recognized concepts. They slept with in a tiny rock room with about 10 of their other siblings and walked 10km everyday just to learn basic stuff at school. I’m not saying this should become a model for priest development, but I’d be wary of someone who claims that modern education is necessary to be a good follower and persona of Christ. My current priest is doing just fine overseeing the Church’s finances and operations and he hasn’t got anything to do with business. In my view, the more modernized and money-conscious the Catholic Church becomes, the further it moves from Christ. If there’s anything Jesus hated it was Satan, sin and money. Times have changed, but the Church doesn’t need to adopt the Hillsong business model to survive!

 

[HolyRosaryChild]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Domiy - I urge you to pray Our Lady Mary Mother of Jesus Holy Rosary and ‘The Jesus Rosary’ to Jesus asking for their Love, Wisdom, Guidance Signs and Directions in your Vocation becoming a Priest (daily).

Please Dear Jesus Christ our Saviour and Dear Our Lady Mary Mother of Jesus, could Thee flow Thy Divine Love, Wisdom, Guidance and Confidence through this man, Thy Child, now and for Eternity, Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into tempation but deliver us from all evil, Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all evil, Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all evil,Amen.

I bathe ye satan in the Victorious Blood of Jesus Victorious Resurrection commanding ye to leave this man’s Blessed vocation into priesthood, now and for eternity, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, Amen.

 

[Gorgias]

I finally got into contact with my parents and they confirmed that many people from where they’re from have entered seminary immediately after finishing high-school, so I don’t know where that whole “requirement of a bachelor” is being cited from. And from what I understand (I may be wrong), time in the seminary is only shortened if the person has credit hours in the field of theology or philosophy. Otherwise, it sounds like I’d be starting from scratch either way.

No. There are basically two paths:

1. if you enter seminary without a bachelors degree, you’ll start by getting a bachelors in philosophy, which takes four years. (In your case, you’d hopefully be able to transfer some of your undergrad credits – maybe the first courses in general ed requirements – but then you’d likely have three more years.)
2. if you enter seminary with a bachelors degree, you’d start with two years in pre-theology, and study philosophy. This could be either at the undergrad or graduate level.

Following this step (either four years or two), you next enter major seminary and study theology. This takes four years.

So, in general, if you enter without a college degree, you’re looking at eight years; if you enter with a college degree, you’re looking at six years.

To enter minor seminary, a degree isn’t required; however, to enter major seminary, it is.

That’s true…I guess it’s up to them, but keeping in mind they’re strict on the vow of poverty, I can’t imagine they’d be ecstatic for one of their brothers to be employed as a money-maker type priest.

On the other hand, someone has to be in charge of the community’s finances, doesn’t he? Or, as it were, someone runs the community’s (or province’s) programs that raise funds for charitable causes, right? You’d sure want that person to be wise in the ways of finance…

If there’s anything Jesus hated it was Satan, sin and money.

Hmm… I’m not certain that Jesus hated money; rather, he hated the misuse of it, and he hated it when peoples’ love of money warped the way they loved God and others.

 

[aemcpa]

No. There are basically two paths:

1. if you enter seminary without a bachelors degree, you’ll start by getting a bachelors in philosophy, which takes four years. (In your case, you’d hopefully be able to transfer some of your undergrad credits – maybe the first courses in general ed requirements – but then you’d likely have three more years.)
2. if you enter seminary with a bachelors degree, you’d start with two years in pre-theology, and study philosophy. This could be either at the undergrad or graduate level.

Following this step (either four years or two), you next enter major seminary and study theology. This takes four years.

So, in general, if you enter without a college degree, you’re looking at eight years; if you enter with a college degree, you’re looking at six years.

To enter minor seminary, a degree isn’t required; however, to enter major seminary, it is.

On the other hand, someone has to be in charge of the community’s finances, doesn’t he? Or, as it were, someone runs the community’s (or province’s) programs that raise funds for charitable causes, right? You’d sure want that person to be wise in the ways of finance…

Hmm… I’m not certain that Jesus hated money; rather, he hated the misuse of it, and he hated it when peoples’ love of money warped the way they loved God and others.

All of this is exactly correct.

 

[UncleBill]

In the past and still in some places a guy will enter the seminary at age 12 or so…while in the seminary they did their high school education as well as received their bachelors degree before starting on the theological studies required for priesthood. As the theological studies for priesthood are done at a masters level one would be required to get a bachelors degree first.

The OP (as I said earlier) has quite a bit of growing up to do. Starting with a good Spiritual Director would be an excellent start.

 

[Deerslyr]

I’m sorry, but I did not read the whole thread. I might get back to it to see what others have said, but I want to offer you a different perspective.

Listen to your SD. Say a prayer of thanks that you have a Spiritual Director in your life. I wish that I had one. I went to a Catholic College, working towards a BA Degree in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. (I actually ended up 3 credits and a Comprehensive Exam away from the Philosophy Major, but that is neither here nor there.) During my time there, I was involved. I was a Eucharistic Minister, Lecter, in the Choir and at one point assisting the Priest in preparing for Sunday evening masses (is there a term for this?). And yet no one approached me to actually discuss Discernment. I didn’t even know what it was until the last few years (I am 41).

I regret that none of the Priests, all of whom knew me quite well, never sat down with me to seriously discuss it. I can’t claim that my eyes would have been opened at that time, but I hope that they would have been. I could have easily finished my degree in Philosophy and moved onto the Seminary. As it is, I am now 41 years old, married (to a Lutheran) with a 9 year old boy. I love them very much, but last year I had the oddest tug at my heart telling me that had I gone through a Discernment, this would not be my life. That tug has come at me again this year. I know that there is nothing I can do about that particular tug to the priesthood it because I have already chosen another vocation.

What is the point of all this? Be glad… be thankful… REJOICE that you have heard the calling early enough in your life. But do follow the instructions of your Spiritual Director. He does have the foresight to see not what YOU need, but what the Church will need from YOU. Being a priest these days is certainly more than addressing spiritual needs of others… it is also being therapist, accountant, HR administrator, educator, general contractor, CEO, fund raiser, athletic coach, etc. You can, and likely will be, called to do any of these. Finish that Business Degree and be certain that it will most certainly benefit your priesthood. Just don’t lose sight of what your ultimate goal is. Yes, it will add time to your attaining your goal, but a year or two is really nominal. You will have a LOT of time to minister to the spiritual needs of others.

Would you agree that it is better to hear the calling in your early 20’s rather than in your early 40’s?

I am happy for you. Truly happy for you.

Now I think I will go back and read more in the thread.

 

[L_Marshall]

If you’re close to finishing, I’d say finish your studies. Who knows, a degree like that might come in handy if they ever need some help in the Chancery!

 

[djames99]

Are you sure it is not just a recommendation.? I would just remain silent when the subject is initiated. The hint would be obvious.

If you can change director perhaps it would help, and if any panel faults you on this trivial option take it to the Diocese or Conference of Bishops. What he calls important is out of character to Jesus’s methods of enlistment. When the Holy Spirit calls someone we note there isn’t a contingency plan with it. It’s curious that he finds important the preparation for a backup career. Sounds like a confidence problem and help needed in the faith department.

Actually, I would not have mentioned it except as a generality, remaining ambiguous as far as possible. I would present scholastic papers as required. If anyone takes you up on what’s in it, I would remind them that they are presented for the intended purpose of evidence of past knowledge, and not for a bases for discussion of alternate careers. (this would be your own motivation if later you find an assignment as priest that you can relate your field to. But only here would you regret or not any loss of credits.)

You can ask everyone to put their decisions in writing. It’s not as strange as it seems. It makes everyone sit back and consider their own recommendations as well has give them a hint that you won’t be settling for a deviation from your plans.

Good luck. This should not present a serious obstacle to your advancement.