Discernment: Don't Wait For Your Sign

[sismaria]

[quote name='johnnydigit' post='1244538' date='Apr 15 2007, 03:22 PM']perhaps there is a potential inclination, or hidden disposition that hasn't been revealed yet by many of them? (i'm just looking at the glass half full

maybe they need a really good retreat to get them out of their shell. i know i was really searching for general answers until i made a really good one, otherwise you wouldn't have expected it from me at all. i'm always surprised by the results we get from working on confirmation retreats with highschoolers and young adult retreats. so many hearts of stone.. my peers and this generation, it's like we're all scared, angry children inside isolated by tall walls..[/quote]


When I'm teaching children for a full year, it is rather like a stirring situation such as a retreat. all the children become excited about the Bible, the saints and prayer, and yet there are some who are particularly graced and responsive in the situation. I do think that in those that are called to this special vocation, there is an inclination toward the spiritual. In our society that sense of call can become hardened and hidden, but in my classroom there was a particularly vocation nurturing atmosphere. All sensed the call to holiness, but there are some who are inclined toward more. The inclination, and the call, are there, but many will not recognize it within themselves. That is why Cardinal Cushing encourages all who have that generosity of spirit which can live such a life of love to embrace it.

[Fr. Antony Maria OSB]

Thanks for posting this thread. As I was reading through all the posts, I was reminded of something that an elderly Discalced Carmalite priest at Holy Hill told me this past August when I asked him what I should do regarding my vocation. He told me that there is only so much that can be done before just doing it, just throwing myself onto God's Will and seeing where He takes me. I've been discerning the priesthood for 3 years now, and I honestly think that I need to give it a try. Now the question for me becomes do I pursue going to Steubenville for 4 years of college, or do I apply to college seminary after next year? I've got a lot to talk to my spiritual director about, it seems.

May God bless and protect you always in all of your endeavors!

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe

[johnnydigit]

[quote name='NazFarmer' post='1244858' date='Apr 15 2007, 05:53 PM']Thanks for posting this thread. As I was reading through all the posts, I was reminded of something that an elderly Discalced Carmalite priest at Holy Hill told me this past August when I asked him what I should do regarding my vocation. He told me that there is only so much that can be done before just doing it, just throwing myself onto God's Will and seeing where He takes me. I've been discerning the priesthood for 3 years now, and I honestly think that I need to give it a try. Now the question for me becomes do I pursue going to Steubenville for 4 years of college, or do I apply to college seminary after next year? I've got a lot to talk to my spiritual director about, it seems.

May God bless and protect you always in all of your endeavors!

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe[/quote]

i'm kind of in the same boat. i have about 2-3 years left. whether you enter or not, a degree is needed. so for now i'm just sitting on my hands in torment until i receive my diploma.

if i could afford to go to steubenville, i'd be there in a second.