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

[marchoi]

…do you how many of those colleges had any sort of accreditation or national standing at all?

The jesuit schools? Or what are you trying to make a point of?

I believe the “those colleges” refer to the colleges mentioned in the book about “truly Catholic” colleges. Fair point, though… Many of the schools named are small schools that not a whole lot of people have heard of.

But back to the topic at hand…

I am a 20-year-old college graduate, currently applying to study pre-theology for the Archdiocese of Washington. One of my close friends is a 24(?)-year-old, applying for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Another one of my close friends (and one of my housemates during college) is a 19-year-old applying to study at the college seminary for the Archdiocese of Washington. So, yeah. Pray for all of us.

I’m terribly excited… It’s been an interesting up-and-down discernment for quite a few years, and I only decided to apply about a month ago. Fortunately the vocations director for ADW knows me pretty well, and my spiritual director is also well-known and well-respected. I’m through with almost all the application process - just a physical on Friday, and I should know before the end of the month whether I’m accepted!

ALSO, to respond to a number of posts:

1. I remember someone posting about choice of seminary. I don’t know how it is in other places, but the ADW’s policy is that you don’t choose. And I expect most places would follow that policy. You are sent to study where the Church sees it most fit. So, no, I can’t choose whether I attend seminary at Mt. St. Mary’s, Theological College, Immaculate Conception, PNAC, etc. (although I already know where I’d end up if I am accepted).
2. Jesuits… Ah, gotta love them. I thought about the Jesuits a little bit, but they’re certainly facing a less-than-positive reputation thus far in terms of their orthodoxy and obedience. But then again, so are a lot of orders/diocese. Just keep praying.
3. Legionaries and the history of the founder? Hmm… I wouldn’t “be reluctant for my son or a friend to join this order in view of this history”. It seems to be like saying, “Well, I don’t want my son or friend to attend this college because one of the founders was bad…” Hmm… “I would be wary about this country whose founders: used to grow pot, have extramarital affairs with his slave, be a Mason…” Yeah, that’d be the good old USA. The entire order should not be judged on the basis of one individual - even the founder.

 

[musicmantg11]

I’m only 13 now and I guess I’ve always had a call to the priesthood since I was very young. I still don’t know if I should answer the call. I’m considering it. Please pray for me so that I will soon decide my vocation.

Thank You & God Bless!

 

[Spirithound]

I’m only 13 now and I guess I’ve always had a call to the priesthood since I was very young. I still don’t know if I should answer the call. I’m considering it. Please pray for me so that I will soon decide my vocation.

Thank You & God Bless!

God bless you mate! I’ll be praying for you!
Please pray for me too

 

[SacredHeartFan]

I’m only 13 now and I guess I’ve always had a call to the priesthood since I was very young. I still don’t know if I should answer the call. I’m considering it. Please pray for me so that I will soon decide my vocation.

Thank You & God Bless!

WELCOME!!! I know I PMed you but it’s just a great blessing to know someone that is the same age and has a vocation too.

 

[Filius99993]

I’m only 13 now and I guess I’ve always had a call to the priesthood since I was very young. I still don’t know if I should answer the call. I’m considering it. Please pray for me so that I will soon decide my vocation.

Thank You & God Bless!

Welcome fellow callee! I felt I had a similar calling to the priesthood like you did, but now I feel God is calling me to the lay life. I can’t say what He’s got in store for you, but be sure to listen to Him. It helps.

 

[musicmantg11]

God bless you mate! I’ll be praying for you!
Please pray for me too

I will pray for you! God Bless! +

 

[1234]

I believe the “those colleges” refer to the colleges mentioned in the book about “truly Catholic” colleges. Fair point, though… Many of the schools named are small schools that not a whole lot of people have heard of.

But back to the topic at hand…

1. Legionaries and the history of the founder? Hmm… I wouldn’t “be reluctant for my son or a friend to join this order in view of this history”. It seems to be like saying, “Well, I don’t want my son or friend to attend this college because one of the founders was bad…” Hmm… “I would be wary about this country whose founders: used to grow pot, have extramarital affairs with his slave, be a Mason…” Yeah, that’d be the good old USA. The entire order should not be judged on the basis of one individual - even the founder.

I am talking about THE Founder, not ‘one of the founders’–and his ‘failing’ – his SIN – is one–pedophilia–which strikes at the heart of the Church. This is not a side issue.

MOst members of religious orders like to study and emulate their founders, who were often extremely brave, motivated, holy people. Not true in this case.

 

[andy314]

Hi all,

I’m 23 and about a month or so ago I felt a sudden possible call the the priesthood. I really began learning more about my Catholic faith, attending daily mass, going to reconciliation. As my faith formed even more, I feel God might be calling me to this. My brother is a Jesuit and his discernment was six years!

I did happen to be in a relationship and when I told my girlfriend in tears about this call which was beyond anything I had ever planned for myself, she still did not understand. I have begun discussing this with both my brother and spiritual director. I do have a longing for marriage as I always have, but I so do for the priesthood. In the meantime, I have still been close with my girlfriend. We did break up but I am wondering if she should be in my life at all. She was so ready for marriage and I’m not sure if continuing to even spend time with her is appropriate during a time of discernment for me. It causes her a lot of hurt.

Another issue is my parents. They did not have a great reaction when my brother told them about his call. They are both Catholic and attend Mass regularly, but they too have dreams of having grandchildren and after my brother joined, they were hoping I would be the one to carry on the name and have children. I have such a great fear of telling them, because no one, unless you experience it for yourself, can truly understand the call. I have broken up with my girlfriend twice because of this and I haven’t told my parents the real reason. Not sure if it’s time to… Thoughts?

Please pray for me. I am trying to weigh marriage and priesthood equally in my discernment time, though lately, I feel I may be pulled more toward religious life. I’m looking forward to continuing discussions here!

Bless,
Andy

 

[introibo]

Hey Andy,

I think I understand some of what you’re thinking about-- I’m also 23 and discerning the priesthood.

I think it’s important to understand that the seminary is the best place to discern a call. So you have to go ahead and take the plunge-- find a diocese (or a religious order) that you feel called to and then apply. If they don’t take you, then, in my opinion, you’ve done your duty to God by answering the call and you should feel free to pursue other vocations. If they do take you, then you might have a vocation to the priesthood and ought to pursue it as far as it takes you.

This was something I didn’t really “get” until about a month ago- I thought I could discern on my own, decide what’s best for me. Obviously, I can’t. I just trust in God to do whatever he wants with me, and things will be fine.

You’ll be in my prayers. God bless.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

Well, Andy, I really can’t offer you any advice, but I will be praying for you.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Hi all,

I’m 23 and about a month or so ago I felt a sudden possible call the the priesthood. I really began learning more about my Catholic faith, attending daily mass, going to reconciliation. As my faith formed even more, I feel God might be calling me to this. My brother is a Jesuit and his discernment was six years!

I did happen to be in a relationship and when I told my girlfriend in tears about this call which was beyond anything I had ever planned for myself, she still did not understand. I have begun discussing this with both my brother and spiritual director. I do have a longing for marriage as I always have, but I so do for the priesthood. In the meantime, I have still been close with my girlfriend. We did break up but I am wondering if she should be in my life at all. She was so ready for marriage and I’m not sure if continuing to even spend time with her is appropriate during a time of discernment for me. It causes her a lot of hurt.

Another issue is my parents. They did not have a great reaction when my brother told them about his call. They are both Catholic and attend Mass regularly, but they too have dreams of having grandchildren and after my brother joined, they were hoping I would be the one to carry on the name and have children. I have such a great fear of telling them, because no one, unless you experience it for yourself, can truly understand the call. I have broken up with my girlfriend twice because of this and I haven’t told my parents the real reason. Not sure if it’s time to… Thoughts?

Please pray for me. I am trying to weigh marriage and priesthood equally in my discernment time, though lately, I feel I may be pulled more toward religious life. I’m looking forward to continuing discussions here!

Bless,
Andy

Andy, The only thing I could say is please discuss this with your spiritual director. He would be able to help and advise you much better than any of us here on the forum. You would be able to discuss this in depth and in detail with him which would not be possible here. You will remain in my prayers for your discernment and possible future vocation, whether it be the priesthood or married life.
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[Filius99993]

Hi all,

I’m 23 and about a month or so ago I felt a sudden possible call the the priesthood. I really began learning more about my Catholic faith, attending daily mass, going to reconciliation. As my faith formed even more, I feel God might be calling me to this. My brother is a Jesuit and his discernment was six years!

I did happen to be in a relationship and when I told my girlfriend in tears about this call which was beyond anything I had ever planned for myself, she still did not understand. I have begun discussing this with both my brother and spiritual director. I do have a longing for marriage as I always have, but I so do for the priesthood. In the meantime, I have still been close with my girlfriend. We did break up but I am wondering if she should be in my life at all. She was so ready for marriage and I’m not sure if continuing to even spend time with her is appropriate during a time of discernment for me. It causes her a lot of hurt.

Another issue is my parents. They did not have a great reaction when my brother told them about his call. They are both Catholic and attend Mass regularly, but they too have dreams of having grandchildren and after my brother joined, they were hoping I would be the one to carry on the name and have children. I have such a great fear of telling them, because no one, unless you experience it for yourself, can truly understand the call. I have broken up with my girlfriend twice because of this and I haven’t told my parents the real reason. Not sure if it’s time to… Thoughts?

Please pray for me. I am trying to weigh marriage and priesthood equally in my discernment time, though lately, I feel I may be pulled more toward religious life. I’m looking forward to continuing discussions here!

Bless,
Andy

My mother has a friend who was engaged to someone who left her for the priesthood. He now works at the Vatican for something or another. But they are still good friends. I’ll pray for you.

 

[andy314]

Thanks for all your responses. I appreciate it! It’s so great to see others on here that are going through the same thing. Today my ex-girlfriend sent me a bitter email with lots of anger. Has anyone dealt with a sad break up due to discernment? She seems to be taking this issue very personally even after I explained that my calling is from God, and not something due to her or our relationship.

 

[jesuitinnam]

Hi everyone!

I think I’ll be in the next year discerning my call to priesthood and I would like to make a room here for everyone having similar intentions.

This thread is equally for those who have already found themselves to be called to lead a priestly life and are studying to become priests.

Hope we could share among us some good ideas, doubts, worries, enthusiasm and encouragement!

Welcome

Hey everybody. I’ve been reading a couple of posts and decided that I should probably not be rude and introduce myself.

My name is Hendrik and I’m starting formation with the Jesuits in little over a month. Happy I found this thread. Will keep reading and posting (should I have something worthwhile to add)

God bless us all

 

[jesuitinnam]

Thanks for all your responses. I appreciate it! It’s so great to see others on here that are going through the same thing. Today my ex-girlfriend sent me a bitter email with lots of anger. Has anyone dealt with a sad break up due to discernment? She seems to be taking this issue very personally even after I explained that my calling is from God, and not something due to her or our relationship.

Hey Andy.
Can’t really say I had. I broke up and then waited 2 years before announcing my intentions to the world. But remember, in the end, it’s God’s will that has to prevail and her wounds will heal with time. She probably feels a little inadequate and hurt. I’m certain she’ll forgive you eventually. Our actions always have consequences no matter what the intentions are - so, you’ll have to take the good with the bad. Best advice is, listen to her with kindness

Hendrik

 

[andy314]

Hey everybody. I’ve been reading a couple of posts and decided that I should probably not be rude and introduce myself.

My name is Hendrik and I’m starting formation with the Jesuits in little over a month. Happy I found this thread. Will keep reading and posting (should I have something worthwhile to add)

God bless us all

Thanks for the encouragement, Hendrick. My brother is a Jesuit and I am so happy for him. It’s a great order. I wish you the best. What province are you in?

 

[jesuitinnam]

Thanks for the encouragement, Hendrick. My brother is a Jesuit and I am so happy for him. It’s a great order. I wish you the best. What province are you in?

Yeah - I saw (read) that.
I’m in the South African region of the British Province - currently in Namibia, but going back to Johannesburg this weekend as a matter of fact.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

Thanks for all your responses. I appreciate it! It’s so great to see others on here that are going through the same thing. Today my ex-girlfriend sent me a bitter email with lots of anger. Has anyone dealt with a sad break up due to discernment? She seems to be taking this issue very personally even after I explained that my calling is from God, and not something due to her or our relationship.

Well my call was a direct call, not gradual. (PM me for more info.). And yes I know hat you feel. But life happens and there are good and bad. WE just need to trust God to get through the bad and thank and praise him to get through the good!

 

[Colin_Adian]

I am the youngest seminarian for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. I will begin seminary this fall at Conception Seminary College.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

So does anyone else notice that the Jesuits seem to catch a lot of the future seminarians? Many of us that are considering the priesthood are considering the life of a jesuit priest Sorry, I was just really happy when I noticed this