Why me? and Why Not

[Daddyof2]

My first post, please go easy on me

I have had many “calls” or what I believe to be “calls” in the past few years. They only seem to be increasing of late these strong feelings of the heart to become a Priest.

I have family members that are part of the RC Priesthood. I am 35 a father of two, with a busy and very enjoyable carrier (15yrs) in construction product sales. I am a member of the Ukrainan Catholic Church.

The responsibilities that a lot of men like me have to raising my family such as, costs of housing, food, daycare and the like, have me perplexed as to how anyone like me could ever devote their life to the Priesthood.

Does leaving it to long count? As a working man I’ve built up some savings, more debt than I like to admit, a home, vehicles and all the trappings of the world. To unravel these things would be a disaster.

I weigh the consiquences of unraveling this against the happiness my Wife and I currently share in life. I have told her about my feelings, and to trade the level of comfort we have currently in the grand scheme of things is out of the question.

It would probably be an end to our marraige, this is already a covenant made with God that I will never break. So the whole thing goes against the faith.

Not to go on and on, but the “calls” don’t stop. The options aren’t looking very good for me to answer. There is a huge need for people to join the Vocation, but you almost need to have a clean slate to start the process. What does a man like me do?

Why Me?

 

[Tonks40]

Have you looked into the deaconate?

 

[Daddyof2]

Hi Tonks,

I am going to look into that for sure. Time to invite our Parish Deacon over for tea. I would imagine that the Theological studies will still be required. It’s the time required in Seminary that I fear I could not afford. But I will check this out first.

thank you.

 

[Christy_Beth]

If you’re married, that right there is a major road block. As least if you’re a catholic. There is one denomination that has a married priest bit. And when these convert to catholicism, they are allowed to become priests. But having a family as a catholic is different. You have others depending on you for support. Talk with your priest or Bishop.

 

[Daddyof2]

Hi Christy,

Since I’m A Ukrainian Catholic (Eastern Rite) a Priest can be Married and have Children. Our Parish Priest is married and has children as it turns out. Many choose to live a celebit life as a gift to God, but some join the priesthood post marraige.

 

[SerraSemper]

Daddyof2,

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I’d sit down with your pastor and have a heart to heart talk with him about your desires and concerns. Your primary duty right now is your family. If clerical duties would take you from your family to the point of breaking it up, then it is not a true calling from God.

That being said, your first quest should be to do some research and get your facts from knowledgeable people. That is, your priests and heirarch. While I can’t remember if this applies to Ukranian Catholics, I know some married members of some of the Eastern Catholic Churches must go out of the US and overseas to get ordained. But you can find these things out and how you can support a family financially, etc. best by talking with those really in the know. It might not be as impossible as you think it is. But, you really won’t know until you get the legwork done.

I highly encourage you to bring the subject up with your pastor or hierarch so that you can have data to discuss with your wife. Of course, her consent is essential for ordination.

 

[Daddyof2]

Thank you Serra,

I will speak with my Parish Priest.
And I agree if this harms my family in any way,
it is not meant to be. This is why it churns me up inside so much.
Perhaps I need more prayer time

Thanks,

 

[m134e5]

My first post, please go easy on me

I have had many “calls” or what I believe to be “calls” in the past few years. They only seem to be increasing of late these strong feelings of the heart to become a Priest.

I have family members that are part of the RC Priesthood. I am 35 a father of two, with a busy and very enjoyable carrier (15yrs) in construction product sales. I am a member of the Ukrainan Catholic Church.

The responsibilities that a lot of men like me have to raising my family such as, costs of housing, food, daycare and the like, have me perplexed as to how anyone like me could ever devote their life to the Priesthood.

Does leaving it to long count? As a working man I’ve built up some savings, more debt than I like to admit, a home, vehicles and all the trappings of the world. To unravel these things would be a disaster.

I weigh the consiquences of unraveling this against the happiness my Wife and I currently share in life. I have told her about my feelings, and to trade the level of comfort we have currently in the grand scheme of things is out of the question.

It would probably be an end to our marraige, this is already a covenant made with God that I will never break. So the whole thing goes against the faith.

Not to go on and on, but the “calls” don’t stop. The options aren’t looking very good for me to answer. There is a huge need for people to join the Vocation, but you almost need to have a clean slate to start the process. What does a man like me do?

Why Me?

Pray about it. Get involved in promoting vocations to the religious life and the priesthood. I’m sure your diocese has ways you can help out with that.