Possible vocation trouble

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Hi all, haven’t posted in this section in a long time, but basically I am having trouble with my possible vocation.

My question is, is it wrong to decide to spend time ‘‘seeing the world’’ as it were, in order to use the experience to help me contemplate whether I am truly being called?

P.S When I say see the world I mean gain some real life experiences not go on a few holidays and take a few photos.
 
Actually, that was the advice the Dominicans gave my friend who was applying to the Order of Preachers. He had just finished college and was seriously considering the religious life with them. They said, in essence, that he should live in the world for a time before leaving the world forever.

Many vocation directors highly encourage going to college before applying and many still suggest working in a chosen field for a time. It’s amazing how many teachers, social workers, musicians, machinists and office personnel end up becoming priests. As for me, I work on a drilling rig, hence the name.

Just make sure you’re in the world and not of the world.
 
Thats for the fast reply! Yeah I’m only in my first year at university now so it’ll be a while yet to contemplate.
 
From what I have gathered from other people considering vocations, they were given time to stay out and explore in order to contemplate more and discern whether they really are ready for such a life.
My cousins married during these “time-outs” 😛

God bless on your path.

Never forget to pray though 😉 Ask for clarity
 
LDNCatholic said:
Hi all, haven’t posted in this section in a long time, but basically I am having trouble with my possible vocation.

My question is, is it wrong to decide to spend time ‘‘seeing the world’’ as it were, in order to use the experience to help me contemplate whether I am truly being called?

P.S When I say see the world I mean gain some real life experiences not go on a few holidays and take a few photos.
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Many, many religious orders recommend that you do this! In fact, some, if not all, require you to have real life experience, like job experience or college. I think this is a wonderful idea as long as you are not running away from a genuine calling (ex: if you know for sure that you are called), as that could be construed as selfishness to our Lord, but since you are not sure, definitely take this time to contemplate. Get yourself a spiritual director if you don’t have one yet, and go to Confession and Adoration along with daily (if you can) or Sunday Mass. All of these things helped me TREMENDOUSLY in discerning my vocation to religious life, and now I am completely sure I am called to be a Sister. God bless you!
 
Living on your own and having a job are very valuable experiences for those with any vocation in the Catholic Church. Those who have gone to missionary trips in foreign countries also bring valuable insight into life. A life-long commitment for any vocation should be given only by someone who is mature enough to be able to do what is required in the life. And, it is difficult for people who’ve never done their own laundry, fended for themselves while they were sick, not eaten when they do not cook or eat out, to really understand “real life”. Balancing checkbooks, paying bills on time, eating healthily, balancing one’s life takes time to learn and usually it is not learned in college… So, it is an excellent idea to live on your own for a bit, supporting yourself, and perhaps bringing a dowry to a community (so you have a cushion if you leave for whatever reason).

Best idea? Talk to the vocations director or your spiritual director for further guidance.
 
Thank you all. I am discerning my vocation to the priesthood which, if God wills, will be with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers. I feel called, that much I am sure of, but I also have a feeling that says ‘‘not just yet, theres more to do to prepare yourself beforehand’’, so I guess I may still be on the right track after all.

God bless

Peter
 
LDNCatholic said:
Thank you all. I am discerning my vocation to the priesthood which, if God wills, will be with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers. I feel called, that much I am sure of, but I also have a feeling that says ‘‘not just yet, theres more to do to prepare yourself beforehand’’, so I guess I may still be on the right track after all.

God bless

Peter
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Good to hear that you are at peace. May Christ and His servant, St. Peter, be with you! I’ll be praying for you. 😃
 
In my opinion the best place to discern is the seminary. When a man is ordained the church becomes his bride. Seminary is a lot like dating… if you like Sally are you going to wait to ask her out so you can try out Sara first? If you dont have a call you will find out, best place is the seminary.
 
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