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preacher_of_christ
Guest
What kind of events in your past regarding sexuality may cause you to not get into seminary?
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L
LilyM
Guest
It’s not so much the past events themaelves - after all,. St Augustine had an illicit sexual relationship for many years and an illegitimate child and still became an outstanding cleric.What kind of events in your past regarding sexuality may cause you to not get into seminary?
It’s more whether you are likely to persist or relapse back into your past sexual sins.
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poche
Guest
You are not obligated to answer anything that you are not asked.
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bardegaulois
Guest
In the more distant past, probably only anything that was illegal or gravely taboo. The psychosexual evaluation, though somewhat intrusive, is administered in order to see that one is personally well integrated and capable of leading a celibate lifestyle. Yielding to human frailties in a time long before you committed to answering the call will not be held against you.
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Mountie
Guest
This is a good question for the vocations director! Remember, God calls broken men to be priests. The vocations director for the diocese or religious order will be better able to judge who is and isn’t ready for seminary.
I think that this statement is problematic. Men discerning should be as open as possible with their spiritual and vocations directors. It is a trick of the devil to try and hide secrets to lead men astray.You are not obligated to answer anything that you are not asked.
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preacher_of_christ
Guest
Im speaking about sexual experiences that may have negative psychological effects.
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bardegaulois
Guest
You say “may have,” so I’ll not inquire as to whether this is a hypothetical or actual case. But I should say that, whether in formation or not, anyone suffering from bad psychological effects from past sexual experiences should be working with a therapist. That therapist, in a perfectly confidential context, should be able to advise the seminarian or candidate as to what he might think is advisable for him based on their pre-existing therapeutic relationship.
Likewise, every person in formation should have a spiritual director, who can also be a confidential, internal-forum resource, especially in those cases when the candidate is not availing himself of therapy. If he thinks it grave enough that it may affect the candidate’s suitability, then he would likely advise him to speak to the vocations director about this. It may well be that he would consider whether it’s wise to send the candidate for the evaluation just yet or whether it’s wise to have him spend some time in therapy first. Every case is different, and it’s difficult to give a broad answer that applies universally.
Likewise, every person in formation should have a spiritual director, who can also be a confidential, internal-forum resource, especially in those cases when the candidate is not availing himself of therapy. If he thinks it grave enough that it may affect the candidate’s suitability, then he would likely advise him to speak to the vocations director about this. It may well be that he would consider whether it’s wise to send the candidate for the evaluation just yet or whether it’s wise to have him spend some time in therapy first. Every case is different, and it’s difficult to give a broad answer that applies universally.
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Dedios
Guest
Your remark about St Augustine raises something I’ve thought about: When he “saw the light” what happened to his child and it’s mother?