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

[chicago]

Not that I’m aware of. But you’re right. There should be one.haha - love the great HA HA - Where did you come up with that!

It was inspired.

So, Chicago - I’m too lazy to go read historix threads. Are you discerning / busy studying…?

I attended a minor (high school) seminary in my younger years. Discerned by the time I graduated that my vocation was elsewhere than to the ministerial priesthood. But I maintain contact with other seminarians and former seminarians, retaining an interest in supporting vocational discernment and a concern for matters that surround those who choose to go down that path. Coming from a background of having taken such things seriously and experiencing something of seminary discernment, I’m usually able to offer some valuable sense of appreciation, understanding, and insight to those who are going or have been through it.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

It was inspired.

I attended a minor (high school) seminary in my younger years. Discerned by the time I graduated that my vocation was elsewhere than to the ministerial priesthood. But I maintain contact with other seminarians and former seminarians, retaining an interest in supporting vocational discernment and a concern for matters that surround those who choose to go down that path. Coming from a background of having taken such things seriously and experiencing something of seminary discernment, I’m usually able to offer some valuable sense of appreciation, understanding, and insight to those who are going or have been through it.

The reason I didn’t spoil your chance to tell your own story was because I anticipated you could find a way to put at least one joke in there. You disappoint me.

 

[marchoi]

Quick update:

My friend has been accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago. I have been accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Washington. My other friend is still in the process for the Archdiocese of Washington.

And I’m getting on a plane in five hours, flying to California, spending a week there, then flying to Australia, and meeting up with hundreds of thousands of young Catholics for WYD 2008! Life is good!

 

[Filius99993]

Hey guys I know besides my comments about the large number of men discerning Jesuit life, I haven’t been saying much about my own thoughts about where I’m headed so I thought I’d give an update. So for the past month or so I have felt more deeply at peace with the idea of being a priest. I had this interesting feeling one night that I was having a sort of conversation with God about being married as opposed to the priesthood. Then the idea popped into my head asking me would you die for what you believe? I thoguht to myself yes without a doubt. Then I felt the response was, if you would give your life in that manner what is the problem in giving your life in celibacy. That kind of made me think more about my priorities… Besides that fact who am I to ignore a genuine call that the Lord has given. So not really groundbreaking but a very humbling experience.

Well, since you aspire to be a Jesuit, we certainly wouldn’t want that calling to be false. I wouldn’t want anyone to deny their calling, for that matter. But considering all those misplaced Jesuits in this world who, like some at Boston College, oppose Church teachings…

Just keep on praying to God. I’ll pray for you too.

BTW, has anyone here ever read “The Sparrow”? Jesuits in space.

 

[jesuitinnam]

Well, since you aspire to be a Jesuit, we certainly wouldn’t want that calling to be false. I wouldn’t want anyone to deny their calling, for that matter. But considering all those misplaced Jesuits in this world who, like some at Boston College, oppose Church teachings…

Just keep on praying to God. I’ll pray for you too.

BTW, has anyone here ever read “The Sparrow”? Jesuits in space.

Goodness. I suppose you’re referring to the incident a couple of YEARS ago?

 

[JesuitLoyola]

what? I’m lost here did i miss something?

 

[jesuitinnam]

what? I’m lost here did i miss something?

Back in 2005, some gay activists wanted to hold a paty / dance at Boston college - they were refused permission and then wanted the Jesuits to choose between Catholic doctrine and Jesuit values - as if the 2 are incompatible. Well, it turned into a nasty affair.

You’ll find some ancient threads on CAF about the incident

Anyway. What scares me, is that a lot of posters on CAF seem to be as judgmental, if not worse, than the most vehement venom spitting bible waving tele evangelists or protestant fundamentalists, instead of imitating Christ.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

So I’ve noticed…I actually meant a “what of it?” about the Sparrow.

 

[Filius99993]

Back in 2005, some gay activists wanted to hold a paty / dance at Boston college - they were refused permission and then wanted the Jesuits to choose between Catholic doctrine and Jesuit values - as if the 2 are incompatible. Well, it turned into a nasty affair.

You’ll find some ancient threads on CAF about the incident

Anyway. What scares me, is that a lot of posters on CAF seem to be as judgmental, if not worse, than the most vehement venom spitting bible waving tele evangelists or protestant fundamentalists, instead of imitating Christ.

Actually, I really like the Society of Jesus, and if I were to join an order, that would be the one. But sometimes, Jesuits aren’t always keen to their vow of obedience.

I was talking about an incident that involved gay-activists at Boston College that happened just after the legalization of gay marriage in California a few weeks ago. They had a report on it on “The World Over”. It’s very discouraging.

So I’ve noticed…I actually meant a “what of it?” about the Sparrow.

I believe someone mentioned Jesuits from outer space before on this thread. I’m reading the book “The Sparrow” now by Mary Doria Russel, which is about a Jesuit expedition into the great unknown. I’m not too far into it, but it seems pretty interesting.

isbnb.com/d/book/the_sparrow.html

 

[Filius99993]

So I’ve noticed…I actually meant a “what of it?” about the Sparrow.

I believe someone mentioned Jesuits from outer space before on this thread. I’m reading the book “The Sparrow” now by Mary Doria Russel, which is about a Jesuit expedition into the great unknown. I’m not too far into it, but it seems pretty interesting.

isbnb.com/d/book/the_sparrow.html

 

[chicago]

The reason I didn’t spoil your chance to tell your own story was because I anticipated you could find a way to put at least one joke in there. You disappoint me.

What, you didn’t like the “inspired” line? Like a wind of laughter, you know.

Hey, I’m actually semi-serious and deep when need be.

What I’m wondering is how YOU would have told it!

But, alright, to put it the way I think Tim would like me to, “Hi, I’m the informal rector of the local underground refugee ministry for disgruntled and escaped seminarians. We meet (as a sort of support group) on an occasional basis at our safe house for much needed venting about the frustrations of seminary life. My presence here is part of an extension for this apostolate online to the entire world.”

 

[chicago]

Quick update:

My friend has been accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

I graciously extend my sympathy and support. Tell him to get in touch should he ever need to.

 

[Andy_K]

What, you didn’t like the “inspired” line? Like a wind of laughter, you know.

Hey, I’m actually semi-serious and deep when need be.

What I’m wondering is how YOU would have told it!

But, alright, to put it the way I think Tim would like me to, “Hi, I’m the informal rector of the local underground refugee ministry for disgruntled and escaped seminarians. We meet (as a sort of support group) on an occasional basis at our safe house for much needed venting about the frustrations of seminary life. My presence here is part of an extension for this apostolate online to the entire world.”

 

[andy314]

Hi all,

Good conversation. I dropped off for a little while, but I hope everyone’s summer has been fruitful!

So I finally told my parents about my possible calling and, to my surprise, they were so loving and respectful about it! I prayed a lot before my telling them and God did answer my prayers. They suggested that I try to find a Catholic girl to date as my past relationship which just recently ended had some issues around my faith differences (among other things). I told them that I certainly don’t want to discount the possibility it could be a true calling. Still, I found myself joining CatholicMatch.com and meeting this really nice devout Catholic girl. We went on a date and are seeing each other again Wednesday. I spoke with a priest a few weeks ago who told me that God speaks to us through our everyday experiences and that I should not feel I need to put dating on hold. But, I am being honest with this girl. She knows that I am discerning a vocation and simply expects me to be honest about it.

I am not sure where God is leading me or how long it will take to figure it out. Is anyone else currently dating and discerning? Any advice around that for me?

Bless!

 

[SacredHeartFan]

Hey guys I am reading Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s book, “The Priest is Not His Own”. Has anyone else ever read it? I suggest it for all priests, seminarians, and those discerning their vocation. The archbishop really goes deep into the essence of being a priest. My favorite line in the book so far is, “As priests we are taken from among men and must therefore never be unsypethetic to their afflictions. However, thoughwe are in the world, we are never of it, for our High Priest [Christ] has called us out of this world.”

 

[Denae]

Hey guys! I just wanted to tell all of you that I am praying for you as you all discern your vocations! We need more good, solid, holy priests. So good luck, and I’m praying for you all!!!

 

[Spirithound]

No, no, no! We have to be an ACTIVE order. We will offer the ministry of comedy in the midst of an all too serious society. All the world will laugh at, er with, us and be led to the great HA-HA.

Would this involve giving “creative-funny” penances?

 

[chicago]

Would this involve giving “creative-funny” penances?

Actually, though you jest, you’re getting at something worthwhile. Often, there is all too little creativity within the presbyterate. Perhaps more room for the innovative/creative types ought to be somehow made. Of course, new orders ARE an example of such “out of the box” ways. But, then, this is an example of how so much growth in the Church generally comes not from the clergy, but the laity.

 

[andy314]

All, I discovered a really great 30 minute documentary called The Catholic Priest Today. They’re calling it a companion to USCCB’s Fishers of Men:

thecatholicpriesttoday.com/

 

[allan_frederick]

Same here… I have one year left at Notre Dame and then I’m planning (God willing) to enter for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

:newidea: Can we make it standard for first-time posters on this thread to mention what diocese/order they are in discernment/formation for? I know many will have mentioned it elsewhere but it would be helpful to have this info within the thread.

Thanks for starting the thread, zemi!