Struggles with Purity --- Priesthood?

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holyfamily1

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I am a teenager who was received into Holy Mother Church at the Great Easter Vigil in 2012. I have grown so much in my faith and go to confession once a week, adoration every Friday, and Mass 4 times a week. Ever since I went to my first Mass as a non-Catholic I have felt a strong desire to enter into the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. I often think about how amazing this mystery is and dream about the one day that I may be ordained. I struggle with impure thoughts often — of body parts, sex, etc. These thoughts are usually homosexual. I haven’t mentioned recently to my confessor that my impurity is that of homosexuality; should I? Also, do you know of any ways that I could help myself? I am currently doing the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration and pray the Rosary daily. These evil thoughts are inspired by just looking at people, they are almost constant and drive me crazy. My confessor told me to just look at everyone as children of God (he is a very holy Priest) but, this hasn’t worked for me. I hate how these sins take me over and if I didn’t continually commit impure thoughts I could stop sinning frequently. I have been in the state of grace for quite a while; I don’t watch porn or masturbate, etc., just impure thoughts. Any help? Prayers please! Also, I mention that I am discerning a vocation to the Priesthood, any advice? Thanks and God Bless!

Sancta María Goretti, Ora Pro Nobis!
 
holyfamily1 said:
These evil thoughts are inspired by just looking at people, they are almost constant and drive me crazy. My confessor told me to just look at everyone as children of God (he is a very holy Priest) but, this hasn’t worked for me. I hate how these sins take me over and if I didn’t continually commit impure thoughts I could stop sinning frequently. I have been in the state of grace for quite a while; I don’t watch porn or masturbate, etc., just impure thoughts. Any help? Prayers please! Also, I mention that I am discerning a vocation to the Priesthood, any advice? Thanks and God Bless!

Sancta María Goretti, Ora Pro Nobis!
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The fact that know these thoughts are wrong, that you hate them and are actively trying to work against them with God’s help in the Sacraments and prayer is commendable and a sure sign God is working in your life, so don’t give up 🙂

I would go back to your confessor and let him know that this still frequently bothers you and that his advice hasn’t worked for you, perhaps asking for some practical tips on working against this issue, or figuring out if it is your thoughts or a temptation. Given how you describe them as being ‘continual’, I would hazard to say they are habitual. Although its hard, I think the more honest you are in confession, the better, then the priest can give you more appropriate advice.

Discerning what God wants of us in this life is also commendable. You’re already doing the right things-prayer, Sacraments, etc, and so are learning to listen to what God wants of you. Your confessor would be good to discuss this with as well-as he knows what you struggle with, but also of your fervent faith and desire to be holy, and I presume has known you for a while since entering the Church. If speaking with someone about your vocation is too soon, I’d keep praying about it and if opportunities to visit places (like retreat houses, various orders, vocation talks etc), I’d go along to listen and see how it all sits. I’d also start being active in volunteering in the parish in some way, so you get a ‘feel’ for what it’s like working with people in ministry and serving others regularly.

I’ll keep you in my prayers.
 
Maybe this should be clarified…if you are confronted with an impure thought that is a temptation and you ask God for help…that’s not a sin. Indulging in impure thoughts or neglecting to avoid temptations and/or not praying for deliverance is a sin.
 
I have never been a Catholic, but I’ve certainly been a teenager. 🙂
I believe that no serious decisions should be made in such an excited state as yours is. You don’t know yourself yet, and it’s no blame, it’s a natural state of mind and body. Taking any life-long commitments at such age is a great risk. If you’re lucky, it’ll all work, of course, and you’ll be blessed for the rest of your days; but if you’re not, then you’ll be very unhappy and therefore useless and even harmful for yourself and others. So my advice is - go on with your inevitable struggle with yourself, but wait with the priesthood. 5 years, maybe 10 even. Get to know yourself, get an education; then you’ll know what you’re asking about, and then, perhaps, you won’t even need to ask.
 
I will pray for you Brother, may the SACRED HEART bless You and make you a Priest and Saint for our Church!
 
Sometimes our thoughts may be trying to tell us something about ourselves. How is your relationship with your Father?..your Mother? These thoughts may be arising from the subconscious to tell you that you maybe fear women or long for a close relationship with the male figure such as your Father. Just something to consider.

You might want to establish a close relationship with your Dad.
 
Lady_Love said:
Sometimes our thoughts may be trying to tell us something about ourselves. How is your relationship with your Father?..your Mother? These thoughts may be arising from the subconscious to tell you that you maybe fear women or long for a close relationship with the male figure such as your Father. Just something to consider.

You might want to establish a close relationship with your Dad.
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My parents and I don’t get along very well. They aren’t Catholic, I am the only one in the home and they don’t see a need for practicing my faith throughout the day and cal me obsessed among many other things. I wish I could get along with them! Any Help? God Bless!!
 
You said you were a teenager…in order to be a priest you will have to go to college and seminary. I think in some in some instances you can go straight to seminary. If your parents aren’t Catholic…are you in public school? Your grades need to be pretty good so focus on your studies.

There should be a priest in your diocese in charge of vocations when you feel ready to contact someone.
 
Warandpeace said:
You said you were a teenager…in order to be a priest you will have to go to college and seminary. I think in some in some instances you can go straight to seminary. If your parents aren’t Catholic…are you in public school? Your grades need to be pretty good so focus on your studies.

There should be a priest in your diocese in charge of vocations when you feel ready to contact someone.
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I go to a Catholic school. My grades are good. (A’s)
 
Perhaps you could seek out a spiritual director at your school (it doesn’t have to be a priest; Pope John Paul II had a lay spiritual director). They will also be able to help you with college/seminary choices if and when that time comes. Try and make some good Catholic friends @ your school. There is nothing wrong with getting involved in other activities that might not rub your parents the wrong way.
 
Zairra said:
I have never been a Catholic, but I’ve certainly been a teenager. 🙂
I believe that no serious decisions should be made in such an excited state as yours is. You don’t know yourself yet, and it’s no blame, it’s a natural state of mind and body. Taking any life-long commitments at such age is a great risk. If you’re lucky, it’ll all work, of course, and you’ll be blessed for the rest of your days; but if you’re not, then you’ll be very unhappy and therefore useless and even harmful for yourself and others. So my advice is - go on with your inevitable struggle with yourself, but wait with the priesthood. 5 years, maybe 10 even. Get to know yourself, get an education; then you’ll know what you’re asking about, and then, perhaps, you won’t even need to ask.
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Excellent answer. I know about a young priest who had let himself being pushed to priesthood way too early; now he and other dissappointed priests maintain an online place where they post bad memories from the seminary and various rants against the hierarchy.
 
My question wasn’t really focused on my constant desire to be a Priest, but, any tips for how to be pure, how to stop homosexual thoughts, and/or do you guys know of any prayers? Thanks!

P.S. At my school, which is Catholic, people lack so much faith it saddens me. People laugh at jokes about masturbation and have no desire for faith. They think Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is bread and talk after they receive Him. Any tips on how to help my class? Please help!! 😊 🤷 :eek:

Thanks!! & God Bless!!

:highprayer: :blessyou:
 
You could try fasting in terms of purity. If you’re someone who takes things to an extreme you’d need a spiritual director to fast.

As far as your classmates, read some books on the New Evangelization. Most of the believing young Catholics are prolife active if you want to look into that.
 
holyfamily1 said:
I am currently doing the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration and pray the Rosary daily.
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GOD BLESS YOU! I’m so glad so many young people are waking up and letting Mary intercede for them especially for impurity.I wish I had stuck with her during the teen years. Sounds like you are doing everything I Should have done.
holyfamily1 said:
P.S. At my school, which is Catholic, people lack so much faith it saddens me. People laugh at jokes about masturbation and have no desire for faith. They think Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is bread and talk after they receive Him. Any tips on how to help my class? Please help!! 😊 🤷 :eek:
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Well. Pray of course. Try not to be arrogant when you correct them. I would never be this brave back then to even confront peers. Social acceptance was one of my many idols and still is somewhat.
 
holyfamily1 said:
I am a teenager who was received into Holy Mother Church at the Great Easter Vigil in 2012. I have grown so much in my faith and go to confession once a week, adoration every Friday, and Mass 4 times a week. Ever since I went to my first Mass as a non-Catholic I have felt a strong desire to enter into the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. I often think about how amazing this mystery is and dream about the one day that I may be ordained. I struggle with impure thoughts often — of body parts, sex, etc. These thoughts are usually homosexual. I haven’t mentioned recently to my confessor that my impurity is that of homosexuality; should I? Also, do you know of any ways that I could help myself? I am currently doing the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration and pray the Rosary daily. These evil thoughts are inspired by just looking at people, they are almost constant and drive me crazy. My confessor told me to just look at everyone as children of God (he is a very holy Priest) but, this hasn’t worked for me. I hate how these sins take me over and if I didn’t continually commit impure thoughts I could stop sinning frequently. I have been in the state of grace for quite a while; I don’t watch porn or masturbate, etc., just impure thoughts. Any help? Prayers please! Also, I mention that I am discerning a vocation to the Priesthood, any advice? Thanks and God Bless!

Sancta María Goretti, Ora Pro Nobis!
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One thing at a time. The priesthood is a journey. Accept the challenges that God is letting you struggle with today. One thing at a time. It takes time and practice to advance in virtue, a lifetime in fact. Be patient. God does not allow you anything that He doesn’t provide the resources to deal with.
These evil thoughts are inspired by just looking at people, they are almost constant and drive me crazy.
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You talk about things that many sex addicts talk about. It’s called pre-occupation. Pre-occupation is a tough one. I don’t know if you are addicted to sex or not, but most people who struggle with these issues successfully will tell you,. relationships with other people are key to improving in virtue. Honest relationships, in which you can talk openly about your struggles.

Disccussing your struggles with another person helps defuse the evil that is at work. Sin and temptation tend to isolate us and hold us in shame. God does not want us isolated, He wants us free to love others. Other people can support and encourage us, hold us accountable. If this is a continuing struggle, get help. Confession is great, talk with the priest, but God may be asking you to involve others in your life more fully.
It’s hard to do, I’ve been there, but God will help you.
 
Should I specifically mention in confession that my impure thoughts are that of homosexuality? Thanks and God Bless!!
 
holyfamily1 said:
Should I specifically mention in confession that my impure thoughts are that of homosexuality? Thanks and God Bless!!
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It’s not a sin to have same sex attraction. It would be sinful to act on the attraction by either having sex, masturbating, or entertaining the thoughts in order to be stimulated. Having the thoughts or feelings is not sinful.

That being said, in a pastoral sense it is good to bring up things that are really bothering you at confession. The priest may not spend a ton of time engaging them on the spot, but he may ask you to come back or give you a recommendation. I have received very good pastoral care in the confessional, in addition to the sacrament. If it’s a weight on your soul, a good pries would like to hear about it.

A thing that is not sinful in itself, but preoccupies you, can lead you to sin out of fear or shame. It can lead you to isolate yourself, distract you from your responsibilities to others, cause you to stop coming to Church etc… You get the idea. If it bothers you that your feelings are specifically homosexual, as opposed to wanting to committ heterosexual fornication, tell the priest it bothers you. Sometimes we feel ashamed for being different, and think that God is singling us out for torture that no one else gets. Don’t be afraid, good things can come from your struggle. It can help you on the way to virtue, if you suffer it with trust in Christ.
 
Pray to the Holy Spirit:

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

Amen.

Pray to Saint Dymphna.
 
Hello there,

I’m thrilled to hear you’ve felt a calling to God. Your impure thoughts are the devil assaulting you with a barrage of thoughts. He’s scared of you reaching your potential of what God greated you to do. I had the same problem when I became serious about Jesus. I like to sometimes say when I’m by myself “I rebuke these thoughts in Jesus name, get out of my head.” I am constantly reminding myself to put on the mind of christ. Like a cassette into my head. The bible says we can have the mind of christ. I try to look at other people as Jesus would have looked at them and I think God loves you lady as I walk past them down the street. Practicing this the impure thoughts gradually thinned out. I still get them sometimes but I kill them off straight away.

Re your family - Mark 3.21 The relatives of Jesus say is he out of his mind?. Let them see by your behaviour and by how you speak that this is making you a better person. If they don’t get it, ok just pray for them.

Do you want to become a ‘shepherd’ taking care of and assisting a community of people who yes would need your help. Remember a Parish priest is a very busy man with lots of responsibilities. Or would you like to become one of those believers that Jesus talks about when he says ‘these signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents (with their hands) and if they drink any deadly thing it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.’ Mark 16 ; 16. I don’t hear of many priests who do this and I believe it’s because parish priest has too many responsibilities which absorb their time. There is a calling in the laity growing stronger and stronger.

advise: study the new testament from acts onwards. Don’t worry about revelation at the moment. Look up Eddy Russell FMI on youtube and listen to some of his sermons. The power of the Holy Spirit is just as real and as strong today as it was in the New testament. Praise God. Jesus is lord.

Justin.
 
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