Religious or Secular priesthood. Need advice, please help

[joe5046]

Hello, my name is Joe, I was baptized about a year and a half ago.

Since the time immediately after my baptism (and even before it) I have been considering the priest hood.

I spent my last summer at a seminary for the Legionaries of Christ, and I do feel drawn to that congregation… in a way. I need to wait a year before I am able to rejoin due to financial resons, mostly college.

I seem split between them and going back to college and becoming a diocesan priest.

My spiritual director there told me that the sure fire way to test my vocation was to see if I really wanted it.

Quite frankly, I dont know what to do. A big part of me wants to return and pursue a vocation with the Legionaries, but another (also big) part of me wants to return to school, and become a Diocesan priest.

My question in a nut shell is how can I tell what my soul is yearning for on a deep supernatural level ie:my vocation, versus what my own egotism wants on a purely superficial level.

 

[ArAnMike]

Maybe you should ask a diocesan priest if you could work with him for a little while, to kind of “try it out.” See what is required and the things that they have to do. If this is what God wants you to do you will receive a peace about it. Don’t rush in to it either. Take your time to decide.

 

[Cran]

I’d like to stress the pint “take time”!

Especially new converts have often a very great zeal for faith and the church, that might be confused with a vocation - but of course it can be a real vocation, too.

It’s imho therefore quite lucky that you need to wit some time before making a decision. Talk to different people (in orders, priests, etc. etc.), read, consult with your spiritual director, grow in your prayer life (most important).

Please be not offended because I speak of this “new converts”-thing - my conversion was three years ago and I do still consider myself somewhat new, and struggle with this question myself.

 

[zjl56]

I don’t know how much about the Legionaries, but I think this advice I received from my Vocations Director would be great. If you are seriously looking into the diocesan priesthood, ask some priests if you can shadow them for a day; to see how their day to day work, and what it truly means to be one of them. It would be best to do this with several priests, because day to day operations of parishes differ greatly. Plus, most dioceses will be apt to pay at least a sizable amount of your educations costs.

 

[Rhys]

Hello, my name is Joe, I was baptized about a year and a half ago.

Joe, I am a convert also and though I never felt a calling to be a priest I always looked up to them and respected them.

I spent my last summer at a seminary for the Legionaries of Christ, and I do feel drawn to that congregation… in a way. I need to wait a year before I am able to rejoin due to financial reasons, mostly college.

I agree it wise to finish college first.

My spiritual director there told me that the sure fire way to test my vocation was to see if I really wanted it.

I agree with the words of your SD’s advice but I doubt I agree with his means of testing it. Let me say it another way. You have met this very attractive girl. She wants to marry you. You are unsure. She says, Let’s get together and spend more time together and that is the sure way to find out. Your inner self is torn - what to do. If you agree with her, you will be more tempted by all the positive things she presents - you already know her - you are still conflicted.

In my opinion, since you also feel a calling to be a Diocesan priest it seems time now to check out that avenue.

My question in a nut shell is how can I tell what my soul is yearning for on a deep supernatural level ie:my vocation, versus what my own egotism wants on a purely superficial level.

The way I think you will be able to tell is to back off from the advise of your SD - do not allow anyone to tell you what God wants of you. Listen to what you feel and, if you do not yet feel, listen longer. God created you a special person to live your own unique life freely and in the way you wish. There is no other “you”. If you take your time and not be drawn by anyone else, God will ultimately speak to you. God bless you and keep you true to your unique being.