Should I talk to my Priest about my vocation?

[Mackenzie99]

Hello,

For the past about 8 months, I have been getting a strong urge, off and on, that religious life may be my calling in life. It began after I had started praying the rosary nearly every day. There are days that I’m so at peace with it, and other times where I feel like I’m crazy to think that is my calling. I am 19 years old, and I am definitely not in a rush to do anything. I’m currently in college, and I am just praying about it and seeing where prayer takes me. However, I’m not sure whether I should go ahead and explore this calling. I only recently started going to mass regularly, and I’m not very familiar with the priest/or anyone else at my church. I still currently live at home, and my parents have no clue that I have been feeling this way. I would appreciate any advice - should I tell my parents? Should I talk to the priest about possibly being my spiritual director/recommending one for me? Or, should I just wait? Again, this has been going on for nearly a year and I keep putting it off, but I really want to talk to somebody about this. Thanks for any advice you may have, and God Bless! *Please keep me in your prayers!

 

[LikeaChild]

Yes! Pursue these urges! You could speak to the priest at your church, but reaching out to communities that interest you (or a diocesan vocation director) would probably be most helpful.

You have your whole life ahead of you and you don’t have to commit to anything at this point. But give our Lord the benefit of the doubt. An attraction to the religious life is uncommon enough in our culture these days that your feelings should be taken seriously. He may very well be speaking to your heart, revealing His will.

Trust in Him. Learn about different communities. Make visits and retreats. Even were you to decide not to pursue religious life, such a discernment process can be very valuable for spiritual growth. I will pray for you.

 

[Mackenzie99]

Thank you for your kind words of advice and support. I will definitely start looking into communities/finding a vocation director. Your prayers are greatly needed and appreciated!

 

[LikeaChild]

You’re welcome!

I know quite a few women who wish they had considered religious life when they had the chance, so I always encourage others to pay attention to their feelings of attraction to a vocation. Of course this doesn’t mean you have to rush headlong into anything.

Continue to strengthen your spiritual life. Continue to pray the Rosary and attend daily Mass. Frequent Adoration if you can. Find time for silence so you can better hear His voice.

It would be good to get to know your priest and church community as they could be a great support. Finding a spiritual director will be very important, too, as you know. Wise guidance along the journey is essential! I know you are in college. I think you can focus on your studies while still exploring religious life. And if you feel a little crazy for even considering such a calling, you’re in good company, as many religious have felt the same way! It is a radical thing to contemplate, and it’s AWESOME, and if it is God’s plan for your life, no other path will do!

If you haven’t already, check out
https://vocationnetwork.org/en/

I know others will have great resources for you as well. And I think telling your parents can’t hurt. I worried about telling my family I wanted to be a Sister…but even though I don’t think they really understood, they were pretty supportive. And they’re not even Catholic!!!

 

[Lee1]

Should I talk to the priest about possibly being my spiritual director/recommending one for me?

I think you should yes.

Just one thing, I asked my priest about having a spiritual director and he said that he would do it unofficially if I wanted to. I agreed but it hasn’t worked out so well because he is so busy we don’t meet regularly enough for my needs. Your priest may be very different of course so you’ll know best but it’s a point worth bearing in mind when you do speak to him.

I hope things go well for you, God bless you.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Your priest and the Vocations Director for your Diocese.