A carrer question

[Catholictothecore]

Most of you know that I'm discerning the priesthood. But, I also love to act. There is nothing like get all dressed up and performing. One night with or without a standing ovation can make up for six months of physical torture.

I often thought of becoming a professional actor. I am good at it, as my four Best of Show awards at an annual festival attain to. I WANT so much to do it. And it's not sinful.

But is it sinful to say to God "Know what? I need to do this first, before I go on to a vocation. I'm not saying no to priesthood, but I just can't forget this, and if I don't get started now, it's never going to happen."

I'd appreciate your thoughts, dear Pham.

[Catholictothecore]

Guys, I could really use some help here.

[Mrs. Bro. Adam]

Why not do both? I mean, Father Stan is [b]both[/b] a priest and a rapper. Just follow the calling of God in your life at this moment. You can never go wrong doing that.

[Catholictothecore]

I do have an answer to that...

how do I say it?


Some of the plays I'd love to be in, while not sinful....umm....don't really have anything to do with God. I know it sounds bad, but I guess my real question is

IS IT WRONG TO DO THINGS FOR MYSELF AND NOT NECCESSARILY FOR GOD IF THERE ARE NOT SINFUL.

[Mrs. Bro. Adam]

I think it depends on the reason for you doing it. Are you doing it to be selfish? Or are you doing it in service to God, and to be an example to those around you? Remember, we have mission fields all around us. It's all about how you respond to opportunities you are given.

[Theoketos]

You should read the Chapter from "Witness to Hope" were the Pope struggled with the same thing.

[Catholictothecore]

Hmmm.....

Well, you see....how do I say it, cause it's kinda embarresing.

Here goes.


My favorite composer is Andrew Lloyd Webber. I'd dearly love in my life to be part of the cast for one of his rock operas; not neccessarily the star, or one of the supportive cast even. Seriously, I'd be satisified to be a chorus member if it ment being able to to be part of one of his plays.

There are only two plays that even come close to the subject of religion. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is amazing, and fun. That I could see how people could take it to understand God. Trouble is, they don't. The other is Jesus Christ Superstar, and, well, that isn't exactly Gospel truth.

And there are others I love even more. Cats, Phantom of the Opera, plays that I'd love to be in for the experience, and for giving that gift of memory of it to an audience. These are some things that I'd LOVE to do. Does the fact that there not religious make it sinful for me to want to be in them? If so, something doesn't sound right.

[Luthien]

Pope John Paul II was an actor when he was a priest.

[Nicole8223]

If you think of most people's careers, they don't have to do with "religion" directly. I am a marketing major and I work for an Subaru who makes cars. My work has nothing to do with God in one sense. But in the other sense, I know I am called to be here right now. I am given opportunities to witness to others and to be fruitful in my "daily duty."

I had a friend who was in the seminary and he used to act in their play once a year. It was always very good. Thats another option. If not, just go where you are called to go. God gives us the desires of our hearts if we are truly seeking Him. If He has placed a desire in your heart to act, then maybe that is something your should pursue now.

I'll pray for your discernment! God Bless!

Edited October 7, 2005 by Nicole8223

[zabbazooey]

Very well put!

Prayers for your discernment, CttC

[Catholictothecore]

Thank you all! see you!

[Timothy]

Hi there! I must say I am mighty impressed by your discernment for priest hood. My priest whom my wife and I care very much for is a very special person to us. Often times I find myself driving and thinking about the future and what it may bring to us. I think if my child could have a role model whom would I want them to choose? The first person is of course Christ, however right after that is my priest. Truly blessed is this man whom we depend so much on. Time and time we can always depend on him to be there for us when we need him. He is a truly magnificent person. For this reason, if my children ask me what I think is the best career choice for them, I will surely mention priesthood. Blessed are the people chosen by Christ to live this wonderful life. If you truly feel the call to priest hood, give it time, Christ will lead you.

Why don’t you act on the side as a hobby? Everyone has to have a hobby. So, what if you can’t act in every play you want too? You can still go and watch them if you feel the need. I guess just considerer it a sacrifice to Christ. As a priest I believe you will be bettering our future, and we need more people like you.

God Bless.

[scardella]

I don't know how much this would apply, but...

In the course of my studies at the ol' Steubie, I was struggling over whether to switch course from my major (comp. sci) to something that would prepare me for a position that would put me in direct service to the Church. Ultimately, it seems that I was called to IT work, even though the university where I work is by no means a place that fosters Catholicism or Christianity, even. My motto became "saving the world, one computer at a time." Effectively, if you're benefitting mankind in any way, and you consecrate that to God, then your work becomes holy. Don't feel like you are being pushed into the priesthood because you care about your faith. If you decide to enter the priesthood, let it be because you WANT to be a priest.

That said, go where you are called to go. I know that seems a no-brainer, but that's where you'll do God's Will most effectively. The real trick is figuring out what He wants for you. Unfortunantly, there's no magic bullet. You seem to be on the right track with your discernment, though. If God is calling you to that crazy sacrament, the big Holy Orders, then you will find that your deepest desire really is to be a priest. When He formed you in your womb, He made you as you are with the view of your vocation in mind.

So, in some sense, it seems that discovering God's Will is an introspection as much as it is a search of where He's leading you. I hope that makes sense.

[Nathan]

There are a few Jesuit priests out there who are professional actors.

I think for a priest to be a serious, professional actor, it would have to be with a religious order such as the Jesuits. Diocesan priests are generally too busy running their parishes for much else.

[jezic]

hmm.... i don't think that plays are sinful themselves, but i would note that you can do plenty of acting as a priest. Youth groups always need people to do skits and you can have variety shows and stuff like that at your parish.