Thread for all discerning priesthood and for those already studying for priests

[Filius99993]

Hello Everyone! My name is Gabriel, I am 16 and I began my discernment of the priesthood last year. As my screen name implies I am thinking about joining the Society of Jesus. Anyways, I am really glad to have found this forum as I think it will be a great help to me and all of those involved. I know I will be praying for you!

The Jesuit Order is awesome. For a long time I wanted to be a Jesuit, but the priesthood just isn’t for me. It takes a certain character that is just a tad bit more tactful than what I am. Best wishes to you and your pursuit of the priesthood!

 

[JesuitLoyola]

The Jesuit Order is awesome. For a long time I wanted to be a Jesuit, but the priesthood just isn’t for me. It takes a certain character that is just a tad bit more tactful than what I am. Best wishes to you and your pursuit of the priesthood!

Thank you so much! As I mentioned I am still discerning but I hope that if God leads me to the priesthood I can become a part of that group as they seem to be a match to my personality.

 

[DJgang]

Ok. I am 31. I felt called to the priesthood at a young age, and started talking with my priest about it when I was 23. Already by then I was a bad guy. I did alot of drugs and had alot of sex before and after that. In fact I never felt worthy of such a calling and figured I was mistaken. I told this to my priest and he said that told him that I WAS right for the priesthood. ? Anyways I eventually gave it up, but have always been bothered by that. So, my question is, and forgive me if it has been asked before; may I, being such a sinner and not anywhere close to chaste or sober (well, now, but not for most of my life) still pursue a vocation in the priesthood? I just can’t stop that nagging voice in the back of my head that tells me I belong! I watch the mass and I just love watching the priest. I love helping others and trying to serve the Church to the best of my ability. But maybe I’m just called to be a very active layman? idk. I would talk to the priest at my new parish but don’t know him very well- besides i sleep days so would not be able to schedule a meeting with him. Any thoughts?

My thoughts, as a mother, wife, business owner and a past that was full of sin…drinking, drugs, sex, all of the above…

I think you would make an awesome Priest! Sometimes it takes a sinner, to know a sinner, and it takes a sinner to help a sinner…know what I mean? I keep thinking, my poor kids, they aren’t going to get away with anything, because I’ve already done it all!

You know what…I would venture to say, more than likely, the Priest would be able to talk to you in the evening.

Good luck.

I enjoy reading this thread, although I don’t post wonder why? But want to say, I am praying for all of you.

 

[jfallaw]

wow, thanks! It’s good to hear that, God bless you.

Hey Loyola, I always was interested in the Jesuits; I always love learning and Jesuits are professional learners! I think you should definitely keep it up.

Jesus, Savior of the world, sanctify Thy priests and sacred ministers.

 

[RevDrNorth]

wow, thanks! It’s good to hear that, God bless you.

Hey Loyola, I always was interested in the Jesuits; I always love learning and Jesuits are professional learners! I think you should definitely keep it up.

Jesus, Savior of the world, sanctify Thy priests and sacred ministers.

The Jesuits produced Mitch Pacwa and that says a lot (love Fr. Mitch). Plus as I was watching EWTN it said the Jesuits were responsible for Christmas Turkey (nothing else was said?).

 

[SacredHeartFan]

O.K. so of you might think I’m bipolar or just can’t make up my mind, but now I feel a call to Jesuit order. Can anyone tell me a little about them? Thanks!

 

[RevDrNorth]

O.K. so of you might think I’m bipolar or just can’t make up my mind, but now I feel a call to Jesuit order. Can anyone tell me a little about them? Thanks!

jesuit.org/

newadvent.org/cathen/14081a.htm

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit

 

[JesuitLoyola]

wow, thanks! It’s good to hear that, God bless you.

Hey Loyola, I always was interested in the Jesuits; I always love learning and Jesuits are professional learners! I think you should definitely keep it up.

Jesus, Savior of the world, sanctify Thy priests and sacred ministers.

Yup, my parish priest told me that the Jesuits are the “intellectual shock troopers” of our faith. That’s part of what got me interested as well as the fact that the most influential speaker I have ever heard in my life was a newly ordained Jesuit who came to my parish to speak at our Confirmation program’s first meeting!

 

[Filius99993]

Yup, my parish priest told me that the Jesuits are the “intellectual shock troopers” of our faith. That’s part of what got me interested as well as the fact that the most influential speaker I have ever heard in my life was a newly ordained Jesuit who came to my parish to speak at our Confirmation program’s first meeting!

Yea, what made me interested in the Order was a Jesuit who came to speak to our parish about some Catholic Charities something or other, but it was long while ago. I didn’t know about how intellectual the Order is at the time, but when I did research on it and figured that out, it only increased my interests.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

Out of curiosity, how does the desire to join the priesthood manifest itself to you. In other words if you feel an attraction to the priesthood, does that mean that God is calling you or that you just like the “job”. I feel a calling to it but I don’t know if this is God’s plan for me as I also wonder about the life as a married person. (Maybe it is just because I am 16 and want to date:blush: ) Oh well, in either case I may be reading to deeply into this :coffeeread: ; after all I should probably let go and let God!

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

Out of curiosity, how does the desire to join the priesthood manifest itself to you. In other words if you feel an attraction to the priesthood, does that mean that God is calling you or that you just like the “job”. I feel a calling to it but I don’t know if this is God’s plan for me as I also wonder about the life as a married person. (Maybe it is just because I am 16 and want to date:blush: ) Oh well, in either case I may be reading to deeply into this :coffeeread: ; after all I should probably let go and let God!

To me, it’s just my vocation, the job God wants me to do. To do God’s Will is my greatest duty in life, because God gave me my life. Every time I sin, I am failing in my duty to God. I owe it to God to do my best to serve Him in this life, and He knows exactly how we can all best serve Him. Some of us He calls to the priesthood, others to married life, another religious vocation, or even single life. I think He wants me to serve Him in the office of the priesthood.

 

[iviking]

I see that I have written earlier in this thread. Everything is going well with my discernment. If it is God’s will, I will enter seminary next year (2008)

Please keep me in your prayers.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

I see that I have written earlier in this thread. Everything is going well with my discernment. If it is God’s will, I will enter seminary next year (2008)

Please keep me in your prayers.

Praise Be to God! There is nothing like hearing about a person entering into the service of God. Know that you have my thoughts and prayers.

 

[LtPaint]

Out of curiosity, how does the desire to join the priesthood manifest itself to you. In other words if you feel an attraction to the priesthood, does that mean that God is calling you or that you just like the “job”. I feel a calling to it but I don’t know if this is God’s plan for me as I also wonder about the life as a married person. (Maybe it is just because I am 16 and want to date:blush: ) Oh well, in either case I may be reading to deeply into this :coffeeread: ; after all I should probably let go and let God!

My desire manifested during the time I was in a state of mortal sin and I was at the point where I was at the point where I did not real know what I believed in anymore. My life was one of complete sin. I was attempting to pray and for the first time I was truely trying to be sincere. I just felt a burst of love and was at the point of tears. From that time I’ve felt a calling to serve God and am now looking at different orders (I actually, like you, have a great interest in the Jesuits) and have a spirtual director.

Just out of interest, do you think your desire to date may be a calling to the married life? I don’t want to push you away from priesthood, I am just wondering because I am also 16 and now have lost most of my desire. Continue to discern this vocation, though, and I will pray that God may guide you.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

Out of curiosity, how does the desire to join the priesthood manifest itself to you. In other words if you feel an attraction to the priesthood, does that mean that God is calling you or that you just like the “job”. I feel a calling to it but I don’t know if this is God’s plan for me as I also wonder about the life as a married person. (Maybe it is just because I am 16 and want to date:blush: ) Oh well, in either case I may be reading to deeply into this :coffeeread: ; after all I should probably let go and let God!

Do what a lot of people do. Enter the Seminary and find out if it is for you. It also might just be horomones, everyone has them! (even priest, they just don’t act on them)

 

[JesuitLoyola]

Do what a lot of people do. Enter the Seminary and find out if it is for you. It also might just be horomones, everyone has them! (even priest, they just don’t act on them)

I’m thinking I still have several years before that’s even an option isn’t it. Also, I’d really like to get my B.A. done before I enter a seminary. Or is that to much to ask, I figure if I double major in theology and philosophy I can get some stuff done earlier and still try and discern while in college while getting the college experience.

 

[Filius99993]

I’m thinking I still have several years before that’s even an option isn’t it. Also, I’d really like to get my B.A. done before I enter a seminary. Or is that to much to ask, I figure if I double major in theology and philosophy I can get some stuff done earlier and still try and discern while in college while getting the college experience.

I don’t think God really has a problem with you dating. But there are things to be avoided while you are single when you have yet to say your vows. It’s going to be harder if you intend to date, because of all the pressures of MODERN SOCIETY. :banghead: And harder still when you’re in college. Just a warning to you.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

I don’t think God really has a problem with you dating. But there are things to be avoided while you are single when you have yet to say your vows. It’s going to be harder if you intend to date, because of all the pressures of MODERN SOCIETY. :banghead: And harder still when you’re in college. Just a warning to you.

Yeah I gotcha there man! Honestly I think I could go without dating and be fine, and not feel like I’m missing much but it might seem kind of weird to those around me if they ask why and I don’t say anything because, “I’m called to the priesthood,” is not what they would expect. Also, I should probably keep it under wraps to avoid undue stress in that manner. Or is it better to talk with people about it; after all it could be a good chance to share my faith with some of my friends. Something to think about I guess.

 

[LtPaint]

Yeah I gotcha there man! Honestly I think I could go without dating and be fine, and not feel like I’m missing much but it might seem kind of weird to those around me if they ask why and I don’t say anything because, “I’m called to the priesthood,” is not what they would expect. Also, I should probably keep it under wraps to avoid undue stress in that manner. Or is it better to talk with people about it; after all it could be a good chance to share my faith with some of my friends. Something to think about I guess.

I share my faith to my friends, and know they all prance around me telling me I’m going to be a priest.

It’s kinda of ironic that they may be right

 

[Filius99993]

Yeah I gotcha there man! Honestly I think I could go without dating and be fine, and not feel like I’m missing much but it might seem kind of weird to those around me if they ask why and I don’t say anything because, “I’m called to the priesthood,” is not what they would expect. Also, I should probably keep it under wraps to avoid undue stress in that manner. Or is it better to talk with people about it; after all it could be a good chance to share my faith with some of my friends. Something to think about I guess.

…mostly, people dating at our age aren’t looking into long term relationships. So if you do meet someone who is (and it’s kind of hard to know for sure) then, yea, you should tell her… My mother has a friend who was engaged to a guy. But he decided against it (without notifying her) and became a priest. He now works at the Vatican. It’s all about being conscious of what’s happening around you, for both individuals. Yes, people do look tend to at you oddly if you tell them that you’ve been called to the priesthood.