Future Priest Support Group

[MilesChristi]

Thanks for starting this thread, Eddie!

I'm sort of at an unsure place in my vocational discernment. At this time last year, I had the application for diocesan college seminary in my hand after being in contact with the vocations director for a couple years. Well, over the summer I spent a lot of time thinking things over and, in consultation with my spiritual director and my family, I decided heading into the seminary right out of high school wasn't the best path for me. I ended up not applying. This wasn't by any means an easy decision for me. From what I've experienced on discernment retreats and heard from my seminarian friends, the seminary life is awesome. All sorts of formation to help you toward holiness, daily Mass, living in the same building as Jesus, the Divine Office, and a house of brothers to support you in the spiritual life. I'd love to be there; however, I don't think it's God's Will for me at this point. I think the experience of living on my own out in the world for at least a few years, without parents or rectors, will help me to be a more well-rounded man and ultimately a better priest for the people of God, if He so wills it.

I first thought about becoming a priest when I was in third grade. I couldn't put my finger on why, but I thought priests were awesome. When I played in my basement, I used to put a blanket over my shoulders and pretend to say Mass on a small kid-sized table with a little cup and pieces of white bread. As I grew a bit older, I lost interest. I would still think about priesthood from time to time, but I always quickly pushed it aside. It wasn't until six years later, when I was in ninth grade, that things started to get serious. Thoughts of the priesthood started stirring in my head again, so I asked the Lord to give me some sort of sign so I could know if what I was feeling in my heart really meant anything. The next afternoon I was at adoration. I had been in prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament for about 30-40 minutes when a little girl wandered into the church. This was odd since usually a few old ladies, the deacon, and myself were the only ones who ever came to adoration. I don't know where this kid's parents were. She was about four or five years old. She climbed up to the pulpit and started ruffling pages of the Gospel. Then she climbed down and wandered onto the altar. Everyone was just watching her in silence; no one knew what to do. The deacon was about to get up when Father walked in through a side door. The girl noticed him and immediately ran toward him. He gave her a hug and gently took her, and they knelt down before the Blessed Sacrament. I could hear the priest explaining to her that this was Jesus. They talked there on the floor for a bit and prayed together. In ways I don't know how to really describe, I felt so strongly that Jesus was looking over at me during all this, as if He were saying, "Won't you do this for Me?" I was just stunned by it all. Honestly, I felt nervous as well. I kept it all to myself for a year. Even though I kept this all secret, people began coming up to me through the following year and telling me I'd make a good priest. Even people and priests I didn't know would approach me.

After a year, I contacted the vocations director and got involved with Project Andrew dinners, retreats, etc. When word got out that I was discerning the priesthood, things got interesting. People at school found out, and I was the butt of pedophile/homosexual priest jokes for months. This was at the height of the clergy scandal; priests weren't exactly popular. Luckily, through daily prayer, Jesus prepared me for this. I considered it a blessing and an honor to suffer some small share of disgrace and persecution for the sake of the Name and the thousands and thousands of good priests out in the world. Over the past couple years, the jokes have virtually ceased. I've been very moved by the way people who once mocked the priesthood have changed and now express respect for the vocation. I hope that in some way I was able to be an instrument of God's love to each of them.

At this point I'm not entirely sure if I'm headed toward diocesan or religious priesthood. I'm still very much in contact with my Archdiocese. I'm heading out for their annual summer retreat next month, and I plan to keep in touch throughout college. I'm going to be studying philosophy at Boston College this coming fall. I met with the vocations director a while ago so I would know what courses to take in the next few years in order to fulfill pre-theology requirements. At the same time, I'm also attracted to the Franciscan way of life. I've had some contact with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and I hope to visit with them some time next year. Their poverty and total commitment to Christ without any possessions inspires me. The brothers seem so joyful and devout. Additionally, I a have a great affection for the traditional Roman liturgy, or the Tridentine Mass as many call it. I've gradually begun attending the Tridentine Mass more frequently. I love how the liturgy emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the Mass. The holy silence which is such a key aspect of this liturgy really allows people to enter into a deep level of prayer alongside the priest. Everything, every little gesture, points toward the centrality of Christ. I have experienced such a state of communion and love among the faithful. This is achieved not by hand-holding, clapping for birthdays, or self-affirmation, but by knowing that we are there together as one body in Christ. I know that I want to give all my talents to Christ. At school I've been intensely studying Latin for the past six years. At this point I'm able to read and write Latin well. I've read Caesar, Cicero, Ovid, Catullus, and almost all of Virgil's "Aeneid" in the original Latin. I wonder if Christ might want to use my love for the traditional Mass and my aptitude for Latin to serve in one of the traditional orders. I've been in contact with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, and I hope to become more familiar with their order over the next couple years.

So, my three main considerations at the moment...
diocesan priesthood
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

I have much yet to discern. My strategy is pretty simple - since all I really want in life is to do God's Will, I'm putting it totally in His hands. I'm remaining open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. I'm doing my best to hold on to Jesus' pierced hand and let my Best Friend lead me where He wants me to go.

Mass, Confession, adoration, and the Rosary...These four things have done so much for me. I would definitely recommend them to everyone.

I'm sorry this was so long. I'd be glad to hear your thoughts and read everyone's "vocation story" so we can support each other in our journeys.

As soon as I wrap things up here, I'm going to go say the Rosary for each of you guys out there who are discerning and for our sisters in Christ on the Future Nun Support thread.

God bless!

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

I myself have been discerning the priesthood for about a year and a half, the interesting thing in my case is that I'veonly been Catholic for a year. So yes if you've been doing the math I've been discernng longer than I've been Catholic. I used to be involved in my last church as a "Youth Minister" in " ", becasue the church doesn't use any official titles, but that's what I did. Anyway I digress. I have a very diverse Protestant family, and Iwas expecting alot of regection from them when I became Catholic, let alone told them I was thinking about the Priesthood. The funny thing for me is that they are all very supportive, My entire family including one set of Grandparents (quick side note One Grandpa is retired S. Baptist Minister, and the other is retired Methodist Minister) attended my initiation into THE Chruch, and My mom decided to go to Midnight Mass and Easter Vigil this year with me. My family now will say a prayer when I visit and we go out to eat, which is something we always did at home, but never in public. I often meet Fallen away Catholics and Protestants who are actually overjoyed when they learn of my possible vocation. I guess I have two thought to end this post up.

1) As far as Antonius' thougths on not want to appear too much like "I'm going to be a priest" I had these thought for awhle myself, now I'm at a place where even if God does not call me to the ordained Priesthood; All the faithfull are priest in their own right and we all need to live our faith in a way that we can say I AM a priest.

2) Why do you suppose that I have recieved such positive support from the least likely places i.e. Protestants and Fallenaway Catholics?

[Paphnutius]

[quote name='PadrePioOfPietrelcino' date='May 24 2005, 07:59 PM'] 1) As far as Antonius' thougths on not want to appear too much like "I'm going to be a priest" I had these thought for awhle myself, now I'm at a place where even if God does not call me to the ordained Priesthood; All the faithfull are priest in their own right and we all need to live our faith in a way that we can say I AM a priest.
[/quote]
Well by virtue of our baptsim we share in the priestly office of Christ, along with the prophetic and kingly. We all share in the common priesthood, but not the ordained or ministerial priesthood. So yes, all the faithful share in the common priesthood.

[quote]2) Why do you suppose that I have recieved such positive support from the least likely places i.e. Protestants and Fallenaway Catholics?[/quote]

I think it is because people are always glad to see someone following Christ. People, despite the turmoil the Church has undergone, still recongize what a priest does for the faithful and the necessity of them. I bet you are happy when someone you know decides to go into ministry for their faith. Albeit it is not the fullness of truth or in full communion with the Church, but people realize that someone who wishes to seek out a ministry seek to do some good and they support that. If they do not praise the specific beliefs, they still find the intentions laudable.

Also as far as thinking about a call to the priesthood before you became Catholic. I know two, rather succesful, seminarians who converted about two years before they became a seminarian. I am not saying there is a connection, but it is feasible. Do not feel like you are not called because you are a new convert. Watch and pray, watch and pray.

[MilesChristi]

[quote]I myself have been discerning the priesthood for about a year and a half, the interesting thing in my case is that I'veonly been Catholic for a year. So yes if you've been doing the math I've been discernng longer than I've been Catholic. [/quote]

I also know a guy who felt called to the priesthood before he was even Catholic. He was in his early twenties and just out of college. As he was walking down the street one day, he saw an image of himself dressed in a Roman cassock. Shortly after, he investigated the Church and began the process of conversion. After a few years in the pews, he entered the seminary. He was ordained a priest for my archdiocese a couple years ago. He can often be seen wearing his cassock.

Prayers for you, PadrePio...

[jezic]

one note i would add is that you don't need to feel that you need to wait until college is over before checking out a vocation. (some require you to wait to enter, but you should start checking it out during high school if you even think there is a possibility)

Great thread rev.

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

[quote name='Paphnutius' date='May 24 2005, 09:07 PM']Also as far as thinking about a call to the priesthood before you became Catholic. I know two, rather succesful, seminarians who converted about two years before they became a seminarian. I am not saying there is a connection, but it is feasible. Do not feel like you are not called because you are a new convert. Watch and pray, watch and pray.[/quote]
I'm not unsure of my vocation, because I'm a convert, I'm fairly sure I'm called to the priesthood. I will finish my undergraduate work and then go to the seminary. The only reason I'm not there now is because I'm prohibitted by cannon law right now (you must be Catholic for at least two years before becoming a religous or seminarian). I'm looking forward to Seminary, because that is where the true testing of a vocation happens.

Peace,

Great comments by all I think I'mgoing to love this thread.

Ben

[Extra ecclesiam nulla salus]

[quote]Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest[/quote]

i checked out the website pretty cool. They only celebrate the Traditional Latin mass (thats cool) but do they teach or do anything else?

[Catholictothecore]

I'm 18 and have been discerning for over two years. I just often feel really helpless, cause I've never had a spiritual advisor besides my parents, and know, a really good friend of mine ( a girl) has told me that she likes me. I kinda like her to. IT'S JUST DRIVING ME CRAZY, CAUSE I'VE FELT, EVEN BEFORE THIS, LIKE I HAVE NO CLUE WHERE I'M GOING ANYMORE!

But, God has given me a peace. I'm not sure where he's taking me. I wonder about being closer friends with this girl cause I don't think it could ever be more than dating. Is that wrong? At the same time, should I even be dating if I'm considering priesthood at all. I wouldn't be here if my parents hadn't while my dad was in seminary. But then, when I think about anything besides dating, I think of other things as well, and I drive myself up the wall! I never knew someone could have so many things they wanted so badly.

Anyone care to help?


And I think the main problem is I worry to much.

[Paphnutius]

[quote name='Catholictothecore' date='May 26 2005, 06:27 PM'] And I think the main problem is I worry to much. [/quote]
Well it is always good to know thyself.

[quote]I wonder about being closer friends with this girl cause I don't think it could ever be more than dating. Is that wrong? [/quote]I think it is important to realize that Catholic dating should be with the intention of marriage. You can definently get to know her better, so that you may become close friends or eventually date, but casual dating really isnt a very good thing, vocation to the priesthood or not. It may seem like a daunting thing, but dating is something that should not be taken lightly. I am not sure about other seminaries, but ours does not approve of dating while in seminary. I know a seminarian who graduated (college seminary) and decided not to continue because he felt called to marriage and did have a girl he had met in mind. Just keep in mind that as seminary is a step towards discerning a call to priesthood, so dating is a step in discerning marriage. But by all means get to know her better.

I would recommend finding a spiritual director, your pastor...a religous you know, but someone with some experience. It is always best to slow things down...kinda seperate yourself from everything at the moment, a retreat often helps. One thing that I have always found helpful is to read the different call scenes in the Scripture (call of Samuel, Matthew, etc...) and spend some time reflecting on that.

My aim sn for everyone is CptnVatican. (please dont laugh it is an old nickname).

Watch and Pray,

Paph

[Catholictothecore]

thanks...

[Paphnutius]

Was I of any help?

[Catholictothecore]

A bit....it's just hard, you know. First, we did meet on line, so the odds of us actually meeting by "chance" (substitute chance for God's will) aren't very good. It's like...I just want to get to know her. But, at the same time....


It's just confusing. I wonder if God intended it to be like this (not the internet, but boy/girl relations in general). It's like, just when I think I know how I'm supposed to serve God for good, a new wrench gets thrown in it. Not that I condsider her a wrench...it just wasn't expected.

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

I agree that dating should be with intentions of leading towards marriage, as I also think noone could legitataly disagree with this. I also believe that if you are unsure of your vocation that just as seminary is a TEST of the vocation of Priest so is dating a TEST to the vocation of marrage. Don't be afraid to test which vocation you are truely called to. Also be honest with this girl that you are unsure of where God is calling you, and that you are open to the possibility of marrage (if you truly are I was unclear in your post). I think that as long as you are serious about it and not just dating while you can it can be ok. Finding a good Spiritual Director is deffinately a must, if not only for dicerning your priestly vocation, but you can also share more detail with this person without a worry that it is open for anyone else to know.

clink clink... my 2 cents goes in the jar.

Ben

[Catholictothecore]

haha....we did talk, and things, I think, a good deal better.

Peace.

[Catholictothecore]

bump....let's not let this thread die, guys!