Vocation Issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tanais
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Tanais

Guest
Salvete Omnes!
Hello All!
For some time now I have had trouble with the discernment of my vocation. I often feel torn between what I feel and think. I look at both the married and priestly vocation and both feel and seem quite desirable. I know many insist I should be a priest, wheres there are others who think I ought to be married. The problem has been with me. I pray that God will tell me what I need to do, for it is an issue that troubles me sometimes. However I try to heed the advice of my teacher but not worrying about it too much then it will come to me, and it isn’t that difficult most of the time since I am still in high school, but there are times (like vocations week at school) when it is just in my face and I can’t help but be concerned with it.
I was wondering, who will I know what my vocation is? I really do not know what it is that tells a person they should be a priest, religious, single, or married.
Anyways, that was my sharing of something which has been on my mind lately. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
 
Brother!

Don’t worry to much about it, you are still in High School. I am also discering a vocation to the Priesthood and hope to be attending Bishop White Seminary (spokane Wa) in the fall of this year. I am a sophmore in College just so you know. But something that I have realized in my discernment is that time is really an important part. The time form which you felt a tug in a direction, and how long that feeling stays. Do you have a spiritual director? If not you need one. Rosarys are a huge help as well. I am going to keep this short, but I will check back later…PM or e-mail me if you have questions. God Bless!
 
Salvete! Quid Vales Hodie?

I didn’t read the begining of your post…you know latin! I am taking Latin in college! Wonderful!
 
I don’t know how your diocese works, but in our diocese we have a group of those who feel that they may be called to the priesthood, meet on a regular basis and pray together for discernment. They are a great support for eachother. This discernment can last as long as it takes for the members to decide if they are being called. There is also spiritual direction for the group on what to look for, if you feel that you are called. Your diocese would know if such a group exists in your area.
 
Tanais,

I’m also discerning a vocation and I just wanted to throw in my two cents. I think it’s really healthy that you see both vocations (marriage and priesthood) as equally appealing: Indeed, they each are beautiful in the eyes of God.

I know what you mean about it being a confusing and important issue as well. You know that God already knows what he’s calling you to be: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:4). The only way to know God’s Will is through prayer. How will you know? That’s tough to explain… there will just be some tug in your heart, one way or another. And many people never know 100%, you just have to trust in the Holy Spirit.

As Tyler said, spiritual direction and daily prayer are key. A good spiritual director has no interest other than your adherence to the Will of God. We don’t need husbands that are supposed to be priests and we don’t need priests that are supposed to be husbands. Also with Tyler, praying the Rosary often is more help than you can ever imagine. Mary, the Mother and Model of all Vocations, knows the difficulties, struggles, and obstacles we face. Pray to her, and her spouse St. Joseph, for guidance.

These things might sound familiar, I know… (Pray, pray, pray! Sometimes easier said than done!) But know that you are not alone in discerning. That’s one reason I want to transfer to a college seminary: because there are other young men out there with the same questions I have. You are not alone in prayer, either. You’ll be in my intentions tonight.

In Christ,
Jeff
 
Remember that we all have a vocation to defend and serve our church whether married or religious life…through prayers and work…

Remember this simple fact and then take a step back and see how you best fit into the church/world. Think of how you are in social situations and activities. Do you have leadership qualities? Are you reserved and quite or vocal and outgoing…the type of personality you have and the way you handle things can be a big help finding where you fit into the big picture. You will not be able to come to a conclusion right away with these questions because not being a strong leader doesn’t mean you can’t be a priest, it just means possible the difference between what type of priest or what type of husband or father. You are in high school so now is a good time to figure it out since you still have time. What it all comes down to is a simple “yes” to either one…however you decide, God will take it from there if it is His Will…and a spiritual director will help greatly with this.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top