To Be a Brother, To Not Be a Brother

[JudeMichael]

I’m not even Confirmed yet nor have I begun RCIA…

But there’s a thought in my head… “Where will God lead me now?”

How does one know if they are called to Priesthood, the Diaconate, or Religious Orders?

I’ve thought about joining a Religious Order and become a Brother… but at this stage in life I’m not putting my entire focus on that just yet… I’m just curious on how to know if you’re truly called or not.

 

[introibo]

I’m just curious on how to know if you’re truly called or not.

You know you’re truly called when the bishop lays hands on you and ordains you a priest (or when you make your perpetual vows as a brother).

Seriously, it sounds flippant, but until then, it’s a discernment process. If you think you’re being called, then you submit yourself to the Church. If she thinks you’re being called, you begin to discern more formally (seminary).

If you can’t take a chance on God, what can you take a chance on?

 

[JudeMichael]

If you can’t take a chance on God, what can you take a chance on?

True… but when you’re raised Pentecostal… you are to “know” beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re called… It leaves no room for falling into the hands of God and trusting Him…

That’s why I had these questions… It’s tough letting go of the old shell and learn to adapt in a new one (one that may break but never shatter).

 

[Trishie]

I ask the Holy Spirit to guide you every step of your way. May He strengthen your trust in His leading and in his ways.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Post #2 by Introibo gave good sound advice. Prior to worrying about where God is leading you (something you should not worry about) finish RCIA. Most seminaries or religious orders will not take you in direct from the RCIA program. They will want you to have experience as a practical Catholic. Once accepted either by a seminary or religious order, you go through a discernment process. There is no way to avoid this. It is there for a purpose. For the priesthood, you will know you are called when you are admitted to major orders. i.e., the diaconate and then the priesthood.

For the brotherhood, or religious life, the same thing will apply. Depending on the order you enter, the vows may be different. Each, the seminary or religious life, will be a long journey of preparation simply because it is needed. You will remain in my prayers
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B

 

[SisterSnowflake]

My advice…read everything you can get your hands on that relates to Catholicism (history, practices, Saints, religious orders, etc.) AND, actually get to know some Brothers, both those “on mission” and those who live at the Motherhouse. None of this has to wait for any “magical” waiting period or specific time after RCIA.

I started to feel that I was called to religious life while I was in RCIA. Some people thought I was insane, some said it was “initial fervor” that would soon wear off and die. I am happy to report, however, that on August 6th I’ll celebrate my 10th anniversary as a Sister of St. Joseph! AND…the community made me wait for four years AFTER I became Catholic before I could enter (“too young”, “too new in the Church”, etc.), but when God calls, he really calls!

You will know, over time, if you have the call to religious life…it will continue to unfold. There is nothing wrong, though, with beginning to investigate things now. If you are called by God to serve Him as a religious, this call will only get stronger. If people call you crazy, tell you to wait, etc., the call will still be there, and you’ll learn more and more each day, and will become more devoted to Christ and the Church in the process.