Priesthood and Paramedic

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Johnborrowman

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Hey all,

I’ll be attending Franciscan University in Steubenville this fall for a bachelor’s in philosophy. While finalizing my discernment of the priesthood there, I’ve also been contemplating becoming an EMT and ultimately a paramedic in the long run.

Does anyone know if this would logistically be possible as a diocesan priest, or frowned upon in any particular way(s)? I know a couple priests who are paramedics, but mostly serve in the role of a firefighter chaplin. There are also many priests in the Jesuit order who are also medical doctors, but again this would obviously preclude them from being a diocesan priest in any meaningful capacity.

Thoughts? Feedback?

Thank you,
God Bless,
Carter N.
 
Welcome to CAF !

I have no idea of how it would work for a diocesan priest, but one of the (Protestant minister) colleagues I worked with in a former parish was a member of a psychological emergency intervention unit. There were weeks where he knew he could be called anytime, and he could make it work because we, the other ministers, were there to fill in in his stand.

Working in a parish (which I imagine you would do as a diocesan priest) has its constraints and emergencies too, and making both occupations coexist could be a real challenge, depending on the parish. If you’re going to be called away at a moment’s notice, it could be problematic unless you’re part of a pastoral team which is willing to do its best to make it work, and have understanding parishioners (who would not hold a grudge if you cannot celebrate Sam and Sally’s wedding although you’ve been preparing them in the 6 past months, or if you have to ask a brother priest to fill in for Mrs Smith’s funeral even though she had asked you to preside it before she died).

And what if your paramedic phone rings right in the middle of consecration?

I’ll keep your discernment in your prayers.
 
This would vary by Diocese. Speak to the Vocations Director in the Diocese where you wish to serve.
 
It would definitely vary by Diocese, especially now.

When I was a kid, the Parochial Vicar of my parish was a volunteer firefighter, with the company that happened to be across the street from our parish. He not only was their Chaplain, he was also a duly-trained firefighter.
 
There are Orders like the Camillians and the Brothers Hospitallers who are dedicated to healthcare.

I know you want to be a Diocesan Priest, but I would imagine that this kind of Orders would have some pastoral apostolate to follow the patients or run the Chapels. In that case, that would be similar to a diocesan role, and you can rotate with a paramedic (or similar) ministry.
 
Hi there. I am currently discerning the priesthood myself, and was certified as an EMT in high school. Before I began my discernment, I was studying to become a nurse, and when my discernment began, my interest in continuing to study for nursing was shot down by the vocation director.

This is different from your case: you are already studying philosophy, and you could complete your EMT studies one summer and paramedic the next, while you complete your philosophy degree. Time isn’t the problem.

That said, this is something you’d have to discuss with your vocation director. Unless you would be assigned to a chaplaincy with a fire department, this would be extremely problematic, considering that your parishioners might need help while you are on a call, or you would be called to the EMS service while seeing to your parishioners. Even serving on a volunteer basis, using only your “off” day, would eventually end up draining you much faster than another priest.

If you feel strongly called to the serve in the EMS as well as holy orders, then it is possible that you are being called to the diaconate instead, but this would also be tricky. Ultimately, it’s up to your vocation director and the seminary whether they’d be OK with this arrangement. Until then, you’d certainly be free to pursue the necessary certifications (here in Ohio, unless something’s changed, you only need a certification and not a license) and serve during the academic year and summer of undergrad.
 
When I was in the early stages of discernment and visited a Benedictine community, they were supportive of the idea of me studying for both priesthood and nursing. If you weren’t a teacher at the school and had a secular job, you were a nurse.
 
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