What should I do? Should I change my path?

[seeker_of_God]

I’ve been a Christian for a while, but have prayed for a long time about which church is the true Church, and which one I should become a part of.

Despite my misunderstanding and therefore dislike of the Catholic church in the past, things kept pointing in that direction. I started studying it more, and asked a lot of questions of this priest who teaches the theology class I’m taking, and finally decided to start RCIA.

Here’s the thing. Since I have started to study about God and the teachings of the Church, I feel transformed in many ways. One of those ways is that I feel that I might be called to eventually be a priest. I’m only a sophomore in college right now so that would not be for a while, but I feel pulled to it so strongly, just out of the blue.

It is so strong, that I have lost interest in many other things, such as my social activities, and the subjects I’m studying. I’m a physics and math major right now, but lately, well, they just seem so tedious and boring in comparison to learning about God and the Church.

I’ll say that this is very strange for me. I’ve been very enthusiastic since I came to college, and have thus far been a 4.0 student. But this new enthusiasm seems to trump everything else.

Regarding that perceived calling, again it came out of nowhere. I keep being pulled toward that path, and things around me keep hinting at it.

So, I don’t know what to do now. I’m obviously still going through RCIA, but I’m thinking of taking a theology major, and see where God leads me. At very least, I’m thinking of taking a physics and theology double major, so that I don’t unintentionally close any doors.

I just really don’t know, but I’m rather unhappy right now with trying to work on physics, since it just pales in comparison to the enjoyment of learning about God.

My previous plans were to go to grad school for physics, and become a professor and do research. But when I compare the two paths…well it doesn’t seem so great.

I’m really nervous about posting this because it seems silly to even me, but I can’t repress it, when I’ve been trying for weeks now.

So, what would you recommend?

 

[bilop]

I think the theology/physics double major is an excellent idea. If you do persue the priesthood, you will need the theology.

Generally, a convert can not enter seminary for a few years after entering the Church; so you have some time.

Do you have a spiritual director, or a priest you are close to, to discuss things over? You might also consider speaking to your diocesan vocation director, or going on a vocation retreat.

God Bless

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

I think the theology/physics double major is an excellent idea. If you do persue the priesthood, you will need the theology.

Generally, a convert can not enter seminary for a few years after entering the Church; so you have some time.

Do you have a spiritual director, or a priest you are close to, to discuss things over? You might also consider speaking to your diocesan vocation director, or going on a vocation retreat.

God Bless

*Excellent advice. There is a short time of waiting for converts, however there are many things you can do in the meanwhile.
By talking to a priest [perhaps even on campus] or spiritual director or vocations director… you might get some idea of courses you might work on now I would besure to ask about your schooling as there may be a drastic divergence between pursuing physics as opposed to perhaps some other major??? [Not to dissuade you from physics… but they may have some concrete ideas for you in that regard]

Also they will be able to give you some ideas of people or groups to get in contact with…[groups that would help or support you as you begin your search] You might also contact others who have converted, and who have also considered the possibility of ministry. There is nothing quite so comforting as finding others who share your same journey.
Blessings of Peace and All Good!*

 

[seeker_of_God]

I think the theology/physics double major is an excellent idea. If you do persue the priesthood, you will need the theology.

Generally, a convert can not enter seminary for a few years after entering the Church; so you have some time.

How long is it, usually? I mean I’m a sophomore right now, so would I be able to get into seminary by the time I graduate from college?

Does it matter if I was already baptized Catholic as an infant, and am now just coming back to the Church?

Do you have a spiritual director, or a priest you are close to, to discuss things over? You might also consider speaking to your diocesan vocation director, or going on a vocation retreat.

God Bless

Not yet. There is the professor who teaches my theology class, who I am comfortable talking to, though. A vocational retreat sounds interesting. Where could I find out about something like that?

 

[seeker_of_God]

There is a short time of waiting for converts, however there are many things you can do in the meanwhile.
By talking to a priest [perhaps even on campus] or spiritual director or vocations director… you might get some idea of courses you might work on now I would besure to ask about your schooling as there may be a drastic divergence between pursuing physics as opposed to perhaps some other major??? [Not to dissuade you from physics… but they may have some concrete ideas for you in that regard]

I’m not set on physics. It’s just what I’m in right now, and it’s not too bad. Is there anything wrong with just taking theology, or is it recommended to take another major as well?

Also they will be able to give you some ideas of people or groups to get in contact with…[groups that would help or support you as you begin your search] You might also contact others who have converted, and who have also considered the possibility of ministry. There is nothing quite so comforting as finding others who share your same journey.
Blessings of Peace and All Good!

That sounds great, thanks. I will try to contact someone.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I’ve been a Christian for a while, but have prayed for a long time about which church is the true Church, and which one I should become a part of.

Despite my misunderstanding and therefore dislike of the Catholic church in the past, things kept pointing in that direction. I started studying it more, and asked a lot of questions of this priest who teaches the theology class I’m taking, and finally decided to start RCIA.

Here’s the thing. Since I have started to study about God and the teachings of the Church, I feel transformed in many ways. One of those ways is that I feel that I might be called to eventually be a priest. I’m only a sophomore in college right now so that would not be for a while, but I feel pulled to it so strongly, just out of the blue.

It is so strong, that I have lost interest in many other things, such as my social activities, and the subjects I’m studying. I’m a physics and math major right now, but lately, well, they just seem so tedious and boring in comparison to learning about God and the Church.

I’ll say that this is very strange for me. I’ve been very enthusiastic since I came to college, and have thus far been a 4.0 student. But this new enthusiasm seems to trump everything else.

Regarding that perceived calling, again it came out of nowhere. I keep being pulled toward that path, and things around me keep hinting at it.

So, I don’t know what to do now. I’m obviously still going through RCIA, but I’m thinking of taking a theology major, and see where God leads me. At very least, I’m thinking of taking a physics and theology double major, so that I don’t unintentionally close any doors.

I just really don’t know, but I’m rather unhappy right now with trying to work on physics, since it just pales in comparison to the enjoyment of learning about God.

My previous plans were to go to grad school for physics, and become a professor and do research. But when I compare the two paths…well it doesn’t seem so great.

I’m really nervous about posting this because it seems silly to even me, but I can’t repress it, when I’ve been trying for weeks now.

So, what would you recommend?

Praised be Jesus Christ! I will pray for your vocation and that it continues to be strengthened. As far as your questions posted here, there’s not much more I can add to the answers already given. It is true that an RCIA student would have to wait a period of about 3 years before pursuing a vocation, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do things to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. My advice is to attend Mass daily if you can (I don’t know if you’ve received First Communion yet, but if not, you can at least go to hear the liturgy), spend some time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Walk the Stations of the Cross (I can give you more information on this if you need it), etc.

If you really believe that God is calling you to the priesthood, a degree in Theology could be a very good idea. There are many Catholic universities across the US that offer this major.

To give you an idea of what’s required of seminarians, I copied a quote from my diocese’s vocations page that encompasses the college course requirements:

In accordance with the United States Bishops Program of Priestly Formation, 1993, college seminarians are required to complete 24 credit hours in philosophy and 12 credit hours in religious studies. Philosophical courses should include metaphysics, anthropology, epistemology, ethics, logic, as well as ancient, medieval and modern philosophy. Courses in religious studies should include introductions to biblical revelation, doctrine, church history, spirituality and Christian ethics. An understanding of world religions and appreciation of the role of religion in literature and the arts may also be beneficial.

I pray that you will find the answer you seek. Continue to pray to God. Here are some prayers for knowing one’s vocation:
*
My Lord and my God, you are Love itself, the source of all love and goodness. Out of love you created me to know you, to love you, and to serve you in a unique way, as no one else can. I believe that you have a plan for my life, that you have a mission in your Kingdom reserved for me alone. Your plan and your mission are far better than any other I might choose: they will glorify you, fulfill the desires of my heart, and bring salvation to those souls who are depending on my generous response. Lord grant me the light of grace I need to see the next step in your plan; grant me the generosity necessary to follow your call; and grant me the courage required to take up my cross and to follow you. Show me your will, O gentle and eternal God, and help me to say with Mary, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Let me say with Jesus, “Let not my will be done, but yours.” Amen.*

Lord, my God and my loving Father,
you have made me to know you,
to love you, to serve you,
and thereby to find and to fulfill myself.
I know that you are in all things,
and that every path can lead me to you.
But of them all, there is one especially
by which you want me to come to you.
Since I will do what you want of me,
I pray you, send your Holy Spirit to me: into my mind,
to show me what you want of me; into my heart,
to give me the determination to do it,
and to do it with all my love, with all my mind,
and with all my strength right to the end.

God bless you!

 

[seeker_of_God]

Praised be Jesus Christ! I will pray for your vocation and that it continues to be strengthened.

Thank you very much.

As far as your questions posted here, there’s not much more I can add to the answers already given. It is true that an RCIA student would have to wait a period of about 3 years before pursuing a vocation, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do things to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. My advice is to attend Mass daily if you can (I don’t know if you’ve received First Communion yet, but if not, you can at least go to hear the liturgy), spend some time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Walk the Stations of the Cross (I can give you more information on this if you need it), etc.

What are the Stations of the Cross?

Yes, I am planning on starting to go to daily mass, or as many of them as I can (basically all of them except Monday, when I have a class that conflicts with it).

If you really believe that God is calling you to the priesthood, a degree in Theology could be a very good idea. There are many Catholic universities across the US that offer this major.

Well, I am at a Catholic university, but it’s definitely not a seminary. It’s Duquesne University; not sure if you’ve heard of it.

To give you an idea of what’s required of seminarians, I copied a quote from my diocese’s vocations page that encompasses the college course requirements:

In accordance with the United States Bishops Program of Priestly Formation, 1993, college seminarians are required to complete 24 credit hours in philosophy and 12 credit hours in religious studies. Philosophical courses should include metaphysics, anthropology, epistemology, ethics, logic, as well as ancient, medieval and modern philosophy. Courses in religious studies should include introductions to biblical revelation, doctrine, church history, spirituality and Christian ethics. An understanding of world religions and appreciation of the role of religion in literature and the arts may also be beneficial.

Is this as an undergraduate, i.e., before i actually go to the seminary, or is that what is studied at the seminary?

I wonder then, because of the above, if both theology and philosophy (maybe a major in theology and minor in philosophy) would be beneficial?

I pray that you will find the answer you seek. Continue to pray to God.

Thank you, and I do and will continue to do so.

I’m trying to get involved in the campus ministry at Duquesne, as they have a few activities throughout the week. I’m also going to try to start going to daily mass. I’ve been making an attempt to pray the Rosary daily (I just got my first Rosary today). I’m trying to do everything I can.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

Thank you very much.

What are the Stations of the Cross?

Yes, I am planning on starting to go to daily mass, or as many of them as I can (basically all of them except Monday, when I have a class that conflicts with it).

Well, I am at a Catholic university, but it’s definitely not a seminary. It’s Duquesne University; not sure if you’ve heard of it.

Is this as an undergraduate, i.e., before i actually go to the seminary, or is that what is studied at the seminary?

I wonder then, because of the above, if both theology and philosophy (maybe a major in theology and minor in philosophy) would be beneficial?

Thank you, and I do and will continue to do so.

I’m trying to get involved in the campus ministry at Duquesne, as they have a few activities throughout the week. I’m also going to try to start going to daily mass. I’ve been making an attempt to pray the Rosary daily (I just got my first Rosary today). I’m trying to do everything I can.

The “Stations of the Cross” is a wonderful tool to help you grow closer to Christ. It consists of 14 stations and focuses on Jesus’ final hours. I have a Catholic prayer book that has prayers in it to use with the Stations. Here is a website as well that tells more about it, and has the Stations online so you can become better acquainted with the story:

ewtn.com/devotionals/Stations/face.htm

My old Church has the Stations inside, and they also have a Stations garden in the courtyard of their Formation Center (this is where I’ve been doing mine; I can do it alone, without any distractions). Since you are at a Catholic university, I assume they have a chapel on the premises? If so, they might have the Stations there, or outside in a courtyard somewhere. You will probably have to ask someone at your school. If they don’t have them, then I would assume that every Church has them. Hopefully, there is a parish close to your dorm, or residence.

I’ve never actually heard of Duquesne University before, but I am glad that it’s a Catholic university. As far as the requirements I listed, those are the required courses before entering the seminary. What you might want to do is discuss this with a chaplain at your school. Since I am not a priest, I cannot give you advice on how best to obtain your education. And God forbid I lead you the wrong way! The Theology/Philosophy degree might be the way to go, but like I said, please discuss this with a priest. They can lead you on the right way. Plus, I noticed on your school’s website that it appears they have chaplains on the school grounds. You might want to ask one of them to be your spiritual director. I have told many before, and I’ll say it again, they can also double as your Confessor. This is very important for anyone discerning priesthood/religious life.

Let me know if I can help you any further. I am a huge promoter of vocations to the priesthood/religious life, and if you feel you have a calling, GO FOR IT! I’ll be praying for you!

 

[seeker_of_God]

The “Stations of the Cross” is a wonderful tool to help you grow closer to Christ. It consists of 14 stations and focuses on Jesus’ final hours. I have a Catholic prayer book that has prayers in it to use with the Stations. Here is a website as well that tells more about it, and has the Stations online so you can become better acquainted with the story:

ewtn.com/devotionals/Stations/face.htm

My old Church has the Stations inside, and they also have a Stations garden in the courtyard of their Formation Center (this is where I’ve been doing mine; I can do it alone, without any distractions). Since you are at a Catholic university, I assume they have a chapel on the premises? If so, they might have the Stations there, or outside in a courtyard somewhere. You will probably have to ask someone at your school. If they don’t have them, then I would assume that every Church has them. Hopefully, there is a parish close to your dorm, or residence.

Great; I will check that out. Thank you.

I’ve never actually heard of Duquesne University before, but I am glad that it’s a Catholic university. As far as the requirements I listed, those are the required courses before entering the seminary. What you might want to do is discuss this with a chaplain at your school. Since I am not a priest, I cannot give you advice on how best to obtain your education. And God forbid I lead you the wrong way! The Theology/Philosophy degree might be the way to go, but like I said, please discuss this with a priest. They can lead you on the right way. Plus, I noticed on your school’s website that it appears they have chaplains on the school grounds. You might want to ask one of them to be your spiritual director. I have told many before, and I’ll say it again, they can also double as your Confessor. This is very important for anyone discerning priesthood/religious life.

Yes, I’ll definitely try to get in contact with someone about this.

Let me know if I can help you any further. I am a huge promoter of vocations to the priesthood/religious life, and if you feel you have a calling, GO FOR IT! I’ll be praying for you!

I really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

Great; I will check that out. Thank you.

Yes, I’ll definitely try to get in contact with someone about this.

I really appreciate it. Thanks.

Keep me posted if you need anything else! I am glad I could help. May Jesus guide you along the way to the vocation He has chosen especially for you. God bless!

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

How long is it, usually? I mean I’m a sophomore right now, so would I be able to get into seminary by the time I graduate from college?

Does it matter if I was already baptized Catholic as an infant, and am now just coming back to the Church?
That I can’t answer for you as it might depend on which other sacraments…[if any] you have received. Do go to either your teacher or campus ministry and I am sure they will be able to guide you well. As others have already posted… get to know more about your Catholic Faith. Attend Mass. Pray Pray Pray.
If you are just getting to know the Rosary and Just discovering Catholic Devotions like stations of the Cross…You most likely will find groups of students who gather for those devotions… and you might enjoy praying them in a group setting… Good Luck

Not yet. There is the professor who teaches my theology class, who I am comfortable talking to, though. A vocational retreat sounds interesting. Where could I find out about something like that?

Oh my goodness. Duquesne University. Oh yes that simplifies things a great deal. You can contact your campus ministry there and they should be able to help you with finding a spiritual director, retreats, finding the right program for you.Your University is well known for its spritual renewal and you ought to find many in your campus ministry center who will help you as you begin your path.[they even offer rcia] here is a link from your schools website which might help… campusministry.duq.edu/index.html

[Run … don’t walk to your campus ministry office… and keep us posted on your journey as it unfolds.

Blessings of Peace and All Good!

P.S. Duquensne University is also known as the birthplace of what has today become known as the “Catholic Charismatic Renewal”… Pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you… He chose that special place for much good and renewal in the Church.
Blessings*

 

[seeker_of_God]

Poor Clare tobe,

Thanks a lot.

I’m already in RCIA, but I will definitely ask about those other things. I will also research what you are saying about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

 

[Trishie]

I don’t have advice but will keep you in my prayers and Masses, that the Holy Spirit will guide you!

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

Poor Clare tobe,

Thanks a lot.

I’m already in RCIA, but I will definitely ask about those other things. I will also research what you are saying about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

*The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the U.S. has a vibrant history dating back these last 30 years. It may not be the path you are called to… but seeing as how it was essentially born on your campus I thought that I would mention it seeing as how history was made there so to speak. [more can be found under the google search “Duquesne Weekend” by the way.

I do hope you find some programs on campus that will at least answer some questions for you, get you more connected with Catholicism in general and also advance you on your possible religious vocation.
Do post for others how your journey progresses… one never knows where the Spirit may lead us. Blessings to you!**

 

[bilop]

How long is it, usually? I mean I’m a sophomore right now, so would I be able to get into seminary by the time I graduate from college?

Does it matter if I was already baptized Catholic as an infant, and am now just coming back to the Church?

Not yet. There is the professor who teaches my theology class, who I am comfortable talking to, though. A vocational retreat sounds interesting. Where could I find out about something like that?

If you are abaptized Catholic, there should be no canonical waiting period. However, since you are just becoming serious about your faith, any diocese/order is going to want to make sure it’s for real, and not a passing phase.

You’ll also have to live a chaste celibate life for several years before entry (don’t know if this is an issue for you).

Any diocese or order will have periodic vocation events and retreats. Check your diocese’ web page, or speak to the vocation director.

Is this theology professor a priest? Ideally, a spiritual director will be your regular confessor. A vocation director can also help here.

May God Bless you in your vocation!

 

[seeker_of_God]

If you are abaptized Catholic, there should be no canonical waiting period. However, since you are just becoming serious about your faith, any diocese/order is going to want to make sure it’s for real, and not a passing phase.

I understand. But I’m only a sophomore in college, anyway, so it’d be at least 3 years until I could even enter the seminary.

You’ll also have to live a chaste celibate life for several years before entry (don’t know if this is an issue for you).

Do you mean before being able to get into a seminary, or before being able to become a priest? I already live like that, though, and don’t foresee it becoming a problem.

Any diocese or order will have periodic vocation events and retreats. Check your diocese’ web page, or speak to the vocation director.

Thank you; I will.

Is this theology professor a priest? Ideally, a spiritual director will be your regular confessor. A vocation director can also help here.

Yes, he is. I just want to speak to him about how he knew he wanted to be a priest, what he studied in college, and some other related things.

May God Bless you in your vocation!

Thank you very much.

CarmeliteGirl25, I’ve been trying to learn more about those requirements you posted. Are you certain those are the requirements before entering the seminary? I just spoke to a priest the other day who I think said he studied biology in college.

 

[bilop]

I understand. But I’m only a sophomore in college, anyway, so it’d be at least 3 years until I could even enter the seminary.

That’s probably plenty of time, but you’ll want to start serious
discernment well before seminary entry. And you’ll need to apply, be interviewed, tested, etc.

Do you mean before being able to get into a seminary, or before being able to become a priest? I already live like that, though, and don’t foresee it becoming a problem.

Yes, before seminary. It’s great that you are already living the lifestyle appropriate to your single status; but a lot of college males aren’t. All I meant is that a seminary won’t accept a man that was sleeping with his girlfriend up until 3 mos. before entry, or is having a problem with impurity. Since you’re not, it’s not an issue.

Thank you; I will.

Yes, he is. I just want to speak to him about how he knew he wanted to be a priest, what he studied in college, and some other related things.

He’s a great place to start. He probably shouldn’t be your confessor or spiritual director while he’s your professor, but afterwards he could be. Is he orthodox?

Thank you very much.

You’re very welcome.

CarmeliteGirl25, I’ve been trying to learn more about those requirements you posted. Are you certain those are the requirements before entering the seminary? I just spoke to a priest the other day who I think said he studied biology in college.

I’m not her, but most dioceses have a required number of philosophy and theology classes before entering major seminary. If you don’t have them, you’ll have to go to minor seminary first.

God Bless

 

[bilop]

Seeker,

Here are the requirements for St. Joseph’s Seminary in NY, the major seminary.

It looks like about 45 credits in philosophy, theology, latin and Church history.

God Bless

Requirements for Entrance

The procedure for admission to the Seminary includes a review of academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, personal interviews with the Dean of Admissions and the Rector, psychological and medical examinations, and a personal interview with members of the Board of Admissions. An applicant for admission ordinarily must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent and have completed twenty-seven credits in approved Philosophy courses. These courses should cover the four major periods in Philosophy, i.e., Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary Philosophy, as well as five systematic areas, i.e., the Philosophy of Man, Logic, General Ethics, Metaphysics, and the Philosophy of God. Candidates for admission are required to have taken at least nine credits of undergraduate theology, an **overview course in Church History **and six credits of Ecclesiastical Latin. The admission procedures are consultative to the Archbishop of New York who accepts a person into the Seminary through the Rector.

archny.org/seminary/st-josephs-seminary-dunwoodie/academic-information/

 

[seeker_of_God]

That’s probably plenty of time, but you’ll want to start serious discernment well before seminary entry. And you’ll need to apply, be interviewed, tested, etc.

Can you explain what exactly is meant by discernment? I keep hearin gthat term, and am not sure what is meant. Just to make sure it is really what I want to do?

Also, when should I start applying and everything? I just mean when I’m a senior, or should I started as a junior?

He’s a great place to start. He probably shouldn’t be your confessor or spiritual director while he’s your professor, but afterwards he could be. Is he
orthodox?

I don’t know if he’s orthodox. Why do you ask?

Thanks for posting those requirements.

So I wonder if I should double major in theology and philosophy, or major in philosophy and minor in theology, or something else. it seems strange there’s more of a focus on philosophy than theology.

My school should have all of those courses, but not sure if they have Ecclesiastical Latin.

 

[bilop]

Can you explain what exactly is meant by discernment? I keep hearin gthat term, and am not sure what is meant. Just to make sure it is really what I want to do?

Dicernment is the whole process of figuring out what your vocation is. You feel called to be a priest, but that is just the first step. Discernment actually continues until the day one is ordained. Up until that point, either the man or the Church may decide there is nor true vocation.

Before applying to a seminary, discernment will include developing your prayer life, conquering any habitual sins you have, regular confession, and spiritual direction. You will also need to discern which diocese or order you are called to.

The vocation director and your spiritual director will guide you as to what you will need to be doing.

Also, when should I start applying and everything? I just mean when I’m a senior, or should I started as a junior?

I’d start ASAP. It can’t hurt to get the information now. It may also take a while if you want to explore various dioceses and orders.

I don’t know if he’s orthodox. Why do you ask?

Well, I think you’d want a spiritual director that is in line with Church teaching. (I’m assuming you are orthodox, since most young men persuing the priesthood these days are). One who promotes heterodox ideas is unlikely to give good advice and direction, and might well prejudice orthodox dioceses and orders against you.

Thanks for posting those requirements.

So I wonder if I should double major in theology and philosophy, or major in philosophy and minor in theology, or something else. it seems strange there’s more of a focus on philosophy than theology.

Theology is mostly covered in the Seminary, so you need the Philosophy background first. This is exactly the kind of thing that you need to ask the vocation director

My school should have all of those courses, but not sure if they have Ecclesiastical Latin.

Regular Latin might be OK. Again, you’d have to ask the vocation director.

If I were you, I’d do the following.

Spend the next year deciding which diocese or order you want. Go on a bunch of vocation events/retreats. Meet with a vocation director, you should probably start with your diocese; he can help with orders too. At the same time, get a spiritual director, and begin regular meetings. I would also go to confession regularly (at least monthly), pray daily (maybe the Liturgy of the Hours), and try to go to Mass as often as possible. Take some philosophy courses that interest you.

After a year, pick your diocese or order and begin the application process.

God Bless