To start postulancy

[Wade_Shekinah]

Hello brothers & sisters in Christ.
My name is Wade. I have a strong inner locution (inner calling from God) to join the Priesthood. But I was only Baptised last Easter, and a couple of Priests have told me that they believe it’s canon law that one must of been a Catholic for a few years before starting postulancy. Is this true? I’m finding it difficult in verifying this. I’m 32 years old and really don’t want to wait this long to start training and studying to become a Priest. I think seven years in the seminary will be long & thorough enough.

 

[Allen537]

Hello and welcome to the Forums!!!

Most religious Orders and Dioceses require an applicant to be a “Catholic in Good Standing” for two years. Though as far as I know, there is no restriction in Canon Law, except where a neophyte (new person) may be ordained if deemed competent by the local ordinary (bishop).

So as far I can tell, it is just the preference of the diocese/religious order.

I hope this helps!

 

[Wade_Shekinah]

Thanks. After some research I could not find any canon law requirement. And some Diocese only require 1 year residency. I think I’ll just write a letter to my Bishop.

 

[SerraSemper]

Your best bet is to contact your vocations director at the seminary or religious order. Those who are recent converts are typically asked to wait 3-5 years after reception into the Church, and a suitable waiting period is prescribed in canon law.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

You might want to take a closer look at your own calling if you feel you can’t even wait one year to start your formation. I of all people understand the sense of urgency a calling brings. It should be understood that those who wish to respond to the call must be willing to face whatever trials lie before them, be it time, tribulation, or testing.

 

[BarbaraTherese]

You might want to take a closer look at your own calling if you feel you can’t even wait one year to start your formation. I of all people understand the sense of urgency a calling brings. It should be understood that those who wish to respond to the call must be willing to face whatever trials lie before them, be it time, tribulation, or testing.

Important info:thumbsup: …there can be indeed a real sense of urgency, which if acted upon without understanding that there may be challenges ahead in following the vocation in the particular religious sitting, that will ask commitment and a willingness to ride out storms and whatever (and no matter) they may be…and if not, it just may see one in and out of postulancy or the noviciate, seminary, and back ‘in the world’ so quickly, one’s head spins. Then at a point somewhere in the future regretting leaving.

Of course, it may be that there was no real vocation in the first place.

The indication of an actual vocation as affirmed and present is final vows.

Sometimes it can be the necessary delay in actually entering that is a test of the commitment to the vocation too.

Blessings and regards…Barb

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

Thanks. After some research I could not find any canon law requirement. And some Diocese only require 1 year residency. I think I’ll just write a letter to my Bishop.

I would definatly encourage you on your journey.

Some things you might be looking into now would be:

A) Discuss this with your confessor, Spiritiual Director or Parish Priest.[any or all of the above]

B) Most Diocese have retreats or days of discernment for the Priesthood. a nice way to get to know people with a similar goal or calling]

C) Make an appointment with your office of vocations and discuss this with them.

[Even if you did have to wait any length of time there are still things you can be doing in the meanwhile and any or all of these people can help you with the process]

I myself was a convert and used the intervening time while in school to investigate different religious communites. So in the event that that you do have to wait… use the time to grow in your faith and to make plans… who knows? maybe you won’t need to wait… but do connect for sure!

                            Blessings!