Relationships

[seanom]

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ,
I’m 16 and interested in the religious life and the priesthood. I tend to kinda stay away from girls and the idea of having a girlfriend. I was just wondering is it okay to have a girlfriend at my age even though I’m contemplating the celibate life in a religious order??
Thankyou and God Bless

 

[Trishie]

I think that for spiritual direction regarding this question you would be wisest to ask your priest. You have mentioned to him that you believe you may be called to the priesthood?
You can receive opinions here, "yes"in the interests of making a balanced decision, and “no” in the interests of not becoming distracted, and perhaps some concern that you are still quite young, but spiritual guidance would be the province of your priest.

May God guide and bless you will all the graces you need for the vocation to which God calls you.

Warm regards and prayers,
Trishie

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ,
I’m 16 and interested in the religious life and the priesthood. I tend to kinda stay away from girls and the idea of having a girlfriend. I was just wondering is it okay to have a girlfriend at my age even though I’m contemplating the celibate life in a religious order??
Thankyou and God Bless

If you meet a girl you like, dating is not a problem.

However, should you continue to have leanings toward the priesthood, you should limit how deep in your relationships you get, and by all means, let the girl know your thinking on the issue.

I knew a couple who dated all through high-school and college. They were always together, holding hands and every one was sure they would one day get married.

They graduated from college and right after the graduation parties, he tells her that he’s decided to become a priest, which he did. She however was crushed, but eventually got over it.

It’s only fair to be sure that a girl you date doesn’t get serious with you, if your intentions are elsewhere, doesn’t matter if it’s the priesthood or just becoming a hobo.

Jim