What do you do during your vocation?

[gym33karate]

What things do future nuns and priests go though to become a nun/priest. like what classes do you take, what do you learn about? and how do you really know you want to do this?
-shana

 

[Drilling4Truth]

What things do future nuns and priests go though to become a nun/priest. like what classes do you take, what do you learn about? and how do you really know you want to do this?
-shana

For me, deciding to go to seminary means 2 years of pre-theology followed by 4 years of theology at a seminary chosen by my archdiocese (probably either in Missouri or Colorado). I’ll take LOTS of philosophy, theology, Church history, homiletics, counseling, and other similar classes along with some languages like Hebrew, Greek and/or Latin and I’ll probably have to learn Spanish. This is on top of my bachelor’s degree from a large public university.

Looking at my decision, I have to take it one day at a time. I have to concentrate on what my next step is. If I look too far ahead the whole idea becomes inconceivable. I set goals with my priest and vocations director and I put my full attention into meeting those goals. Then I move on the the next one, and so on. At this point, I’m not looking into what I think will make me a good priest, but what will make me a good seminarian.

Gotta keep praying. GOTTA keep praying.

 

[Seumas]

For me, deciding to go to seminary means 2 years of pre-theology followed by 4 years of theology at a seminary chosen by my archdiocese (probably either in Missouri or Colorado). I’ll take LOTS of philosophy, theology, Church history, homiletics, counseling, and other similar classes along with some languages like Hebrew, Greek and/or Latin and I’ll probably have to learn Spanish. This is on top of my bachelor’s degree from a large public university.

I will pray for you.

I also pray you get a good, orthodox seminary.

 

[Cloisters]

What things do future nuns and priests go though to become a nun/priest. like what classes do you take, what do you learn about? and how do you really know you want to do this?
-shana

You need a spiritual director (SD). Mine is a Dominican who is involved in full-time formation for his province, and he says he’s seeing two major deficits–lack of the fundamentals of our faith, and how to live/get along with others.

THAT is what you can be working on while preparing for religious life! Even before you find a convent to enter.

But, to answer your questions, the history of the order is given, plus classes on prayer, theology, scripture, catechism, canon law (possibly), etc. Classes which will help with the apostolate would be given, also.

HTH.

Blessings,
Cloisters

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

What things do future nuns and priests go though to become a nun/priest. like what classes do you take, what do you learn about? and how do you really know you want to do this?
-shana

One of the most important things in the process of discernment is a Spiritual Director. It can be a priest, brother, sister, lay member, etc. I just acquired one tonight (yay!) and it’s a priest who I really respect and admire. He’s very educated and I’ve asked him several times for help, and I have benefited everytime from his help. I have been looking for about 6 or 7 months now, all the time, praying that God would send me one. He does deliver!

Since I am discerning to be a sister/nun, no education is absolutely required past a high school diploma, but communities prefer those who have “real world” experience, such as college or work history. I have struggled in college trying to decide my major, so I have 70 credit hours towards a college degree (which I will probably go back for). I finally discovered I am called to the vocation of nursing. I love serving people when they are sick and need assistance. I started with Certified Nursing Assistant, and then, next year, I will go back for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing. I am not sure if I will go for Registered Nursing, but it’s a worthy option.

Also, I am making an active effort to learn all I can about the Catholic faith by reading the Bible, Catechism, saints’ stories, etc. Beginning a daily prayer routine is VERY recommended. My spiritual director recommended this to me before he became my SD. I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet everyday, walk the Way of the Cross (14 stations), and just talk personally to God in my own words. You can’t imagine how many graces I have received through this prayer life. I no longer focus on myself and my personal gain, but what I can do for others and how Christ wants me to be. I pray for souls in Purgatory and those afflicted by pain and suffering in the world, either from physical or emotional pain. Jesus promised to reward those who faithfully pray the Divine Mercy chaplet, as He told St. Faustina. He said, “Those who pray the Chaplet, even once, will receive the benefits of my mercy. I will stand between that soul and my Father on Judgment Day, not just as the Judge, but as the Merciful Savior.” Also, He said that the Father sees all souls through His wounds. St. Faustina’s diary is a wonderful spiritual document, and I recommend it for everyone.

These are just a few practices I have adopted.