My vocation to the priesthood

[bardegaulois]

Another thing im looking into is possibly studying philosophy for 2 years. Catholic U and Steubenville come to mind. Is it possible to get the M. Div. as well? Suggestions?

You might want to look at my cautionary comments on another recent thread in this forum, “Online Theology Degree.” I’m an English instructor at a community college, so I see (and suffer) the plight of contemporary liberal-arts academics firsthand – intelligent people getting advanced degrees that are only really useful in academia, but creating a glut in the market without enough work to go around, Not only is this bad for the scholar, it’s bad for the institution of academia as well. Unless a diocese, religious order, or the like, knowing that there will be a return on their investment, is substantially bankrolling your work, you’re best off not going into debt over it.

That said, though, in your case, relocation to and involvement in a hub of Catholic life may not be a bad idea, as that may open up many more doors for you and even bring things to your mind that you haven’t considered. Moreover, it would be a step forward and away from nursing old wounds. The cost is high, but neither you nor I can say at this time what the benefit may be. This would be a classic matter to bring to prayer.

Moreover, I’m with Ormond on loving and serving. When I hear “love and serve,” I don’t hear anything explicitly priestly; I hear duties incumbent on all Christians. You may say that you implied the sacraments by that, but consider if a reasonable person would infer that. Whatever your state in life, get out there and do it today – don’t just think about doing it at some future date. You don’t need any bishop’s consent or any academic degree to do so.

 

[Lamentation]

…]Once I first responded to the call, everything changed. The journey has strengthened me over time, but it has been a bit of a spiritual rollercoaster with anger and frustration in the process at times leading me back to sin through frustration.

Get used to it… It’s that feeling that proves you’re a seminarian. :compcoff:

This time feels different. I feel spiritually strong, have the support of many people and priests around the country and globe, have good habits of fasting and prayer and the liturgy of the hours is like a cold spring flowing on a hot day.

You will find that the People of God are often your only source of support; but that your prayer life is what dictates how well you handle the frustration.

But, at times I have to hold back frustration. I have been waiting for 3 years to apply to my home diocese because my former vocation director said to me with my beard that I would be better suited for a religious order and that with a particular medical disorder that I would not qualify anyway for the diocese. The beard is so petty.

Unfortunately, that is the human side of the Church showing (again, get used to it). It is very likely that the vocations director never learned how to say “no” effectively.

I don’t have it now but can’t believe facial hair would hold back an applicant.

It wouldn’t.

I paid my own money to get cleared by a medical professional and he still wouldn’t let me apply. So now, last week, I had a great interview with the new vocation director and he is fine with everything. I’m one of the last applicants of this cycle but already like working with him much better.

I was frustrated to the point that I did not plan on applying again until later in life. A priest and former Navy Chaplain stayed close to me and nudged me to interview with the new vocation director. If it wasn’t for him, this opportunity may have been lost.

And this is the Church working properly - her priests doing what they do best: animating those who need to be animated, themselves driven by the graces granted to them in virtue of their station in life.

What I have learned over the years is that no matter where we land in our vocation, we are called to be holy. So please take today to examine yourself, avoid sin, near occasions of sin, and pray for me to do the same.

Amen.

What you’re experiencing is par for the course in my experience (and in the experience of others). Don’t give up, but don’t stop praying.

 

[Isaiah_53]

Moreover, I’m with Ormond on loving and serving. When I hear “love and serve,” I don’t hear anything explicitly priestly; I hear duties incumbent on all Christians. You may say that you implied the sacraments by that, but consider if a reasonable person would infer that.

Yes. I see what you mean.

I say I feel called to love and serve and I challenge you to consider a priest who does not feel called to love and serve, but only feels called to the duties of being a priest. He only sees himself on the high altar, preaching to the people as his words are gold and his actions are Christlike.

I feel called to love. Love is my calling (St. Terese of Liseux). I feel called to serve. How do I feel called to love and serve? By administering the sacraments and serving in the role of a diocesan priest. By saying simply that I feel called to the diocesan priesthood to me leaves out the two main things that Christ came here to give to us. He gave us Agape (self sacrificing) love and humility (Philippians 2:7).

I am responding to my call to love and serve. Corporal and spiritual works of mercy are a rhythm of life. But, feel it will move into a different capacity when (if) the church bestows upon me the sacrament of Holy Orders.

I visualize things and visualize much. In this aspect it is very painful when unexpected events occur. Despite this, I now feel the call to love and to serve. When (if) I am a priest, I feel that I will say the same thing to myself on a daily basis. I feel this is what Pope Francis said to himself on the buses of the streets of Buenos Aires, tending to the needs of the people. He did not say “I am a Cardinal, look at me” — he said “I must love and serve.”

Making that statement does not negate my call to become a priest and I do not feel it oversimplifies it either. It, on the contrary opens the door in the exact place that Christ opened the door.

My calling was distinct and in prayer I constantly feel God’s approval that I am on the right path to the diocesan priesthood. Unfortunately, I did not receive an email with bullet points on what to do along the way and how long it will take. All I know is that I am following my call to the diocesan priesthood with all my heart and soul.

 

[Isaiah_53]

But, if you must, the day to day analysis of scripture and routine of a diocesan priest attracts me greatly. I am strongly attracted to being a parish priest and living with a group of people in our walk towards heaven.

 

[Isaiah_53]

Get used to it… It’s that feeling that proves you’re a seminarian. :compcoff:

You will find that the People of God are often your only source of support; but that your prayer life is what dictates how well you handle the frustration.

Unfortunately, that is the human side of the Church showing (again, get used to it). It is very likely that the vocations director never learned how to say “no” effectively.

It wouldn’t.



And this is the Church working properly - her priests doing what they do best: animating those who need to be animated, themselves driven by the graces granted to them in virtue of their station in life.

Amen.

What you’re experiencing is par for the course in my experience (and in the experience of others). Don’t give up, but don’t stop praying.

Thanks for the support.

 

[Isaiah_53]

Had a fantastic interview with a vocation director of a large archdiocese today. He was an expert at pulling everything out of me including things I didn’t want to share, but accepted my rejections, my bipolar diagnosis, embraced my kickboxing among other things. I live 3000 miles away and he liked me so much he is flying me back next month for final interviews and to tour the seminary. It’s a really good fit.

I have 1 more interview at another diocese Monday but feel strongly about today.

So. Excited.