I just got back from a retreat in the Lake of the Ozarks for discerning young men. I was the second youngest one there, almost all of them were in college...But it was amazing. God gave me special graces in the hours of meditation that we were given, and also in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Msgr. was a great confessor. Anyway, those things always make me scared of my future because I pretty much know what I'm supposed to do, I just don't really want to do it....and it is scary. I mean what if i do go to a college seminary, and graduate with a liberal arts degree specializing in Philosophy? And then, what if I decide not to become a priest? What am I going to do with a liberal arts degree? I know I just need to trust and give myself up to God's will...and pray about it. He will give me the courage. It's just....intimidating.

Sounds like you had a very powerful experience!! God will continue to speak to you in the coming weeks and months to reveal to you His plan. I will keep you in my prayers as you continue to reap the graces of the retreat.

Just out of curiousity, who put on the retreat? Was it a diocesean event or an order?

God bless.

You can do anything with a liberal arts degree. Philosophy is a good backbone major. It isn't practical, but it shows you can think. I had degrees in theology and French, which are about as practical as philosophy, and I had all sorts of options for what I could do after college.

The flip side to your dilemna is what happens if you didn't go to seminary, majored in something practical, and always wondered whether you should have gone to seminary. I know all kinds of guys who have left seminary, and they are all glad they went.

It was a diocesean retreat, the Vocations director and director of Seminarians and also one other priest were there along with 3 or 4 diocesean seminarians, and then the 12 or so of us that got invited. I'm not just discerning diocesean priesthood though, but I'm kinda lost as to what orders are good to look at, and what specific communities as well. I loved a certain Benedictine community I visited, but I have heard some less than complimentary things about it. Also I do know that they used to stand during the Consecration and only began kneeling upon order of that diocese's bishop. At least they obeyed, but he shouldn't have had to say anything. Also I hear that sometimes they remain standing when the Church is pretty full. They also remain standing after the Agnus Dei and during Communion, which I don't really like, but is that a norm now? I have heard a lot of differing things about that....I guess it is a norm to remain standing but the faithful are not to be required not to kneel? Is that just an American thing? Sometimes I think I'd be better off in Europe. I am also confused...because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a priest...but I don't really want to stay in my Archdiocese the rest of my life, and I don't really want to have some of the parishes in the area...I think other dioceses are in much greater need than mine. I know that I am in one of the best dioceses in the country, really I am, but I just feel like some of the people are spoiled, the people here really don't know what they have in our awesome priests and amazing Archbishop. It's kinda upper class, the people don't seem to really care about or respect the liturgy. Anyway that was just some of my random rambling...

I'm sure God will lead you where you are supposed to be if you pursue a vocation. Don't worry about that.

As for a degree in Philosophy there are lots of things you can do as some have already mentioned. I have a BA in Phil. as well as an MA and now I am completing a PhD in Health Care Ethics. Others with BAs in Phil I know have gone on to law school, etc. Don't worry about that aspect. All will be well.

You do not have to go straight into Seminary after High School. If you need more time or wish to pursue a technical degree, do so. You can always enter Seminary when you are ready.

Wait...if you were on a retreat in the Ozarks, I think I know which Archbishop you're talking about...

In terms of the standing between the Agnus Dei and receiving Communion, no, it's not what's supposed to happen according to GIRM. It has been a point of controversy in CA, I believe...there's a thread on a different board about it.

Sounds like there's a lot on your heart & mind. I pray that the Spirit will grant you clarity and peace.