Discernment For Boys

[tojo]

See, I can really see myslef as a good husband and father, and love the idea of leading a devout Catholic family...

[Guest Rick777]

I can picture myself doing anything but I dont think God has called me to a vocation other than priesthood.

[Avier]

A seminarian friend gave me this advice, he told me what helped him a lot is meditating on scripture. He said that has helped him lots, I feel kind of bad I haven’t done a lot of this yet but hope to start soon.


As for my vocation story, it’s a lot like others. I have a bunch of collage friends in seminary and we go out and talk about it, and so finally I decided to go out and visit the seminary.

I think God may be calling me towards Priesthood, but also maybe single life. Youth Ministry is really important to me, and as a priest I could do that, but also as a single person I could do that. My youth minister really inspires me and I think that if God wants me to be a Youth Minister that would be amazing.

I think this trip will help me a lot in figuring out if God is calling me to Priesthood. I would suggest others to visit seminary if you can.

[Mel K. Sedek]

Alas! One can recognize the spark of a true vocation when the called speaks. I commend Aloysius and Rebirth Flame for sharing their discernment stories. And from where you end, I begin mine.
While most people refer to the call as "vocations", e.g. "vocations office", "prayer for vocations", etc., I always understood "vocation" without an "s". Even at a very young age, I realized there is only ONE vocation and ONE spirituality. The Vocation and Spirituality of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave this vocation as His parting gift to His friends when after the resurrection, He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. He then told them to "go out there and preach the Good News", and the rest you know His story and message.
Jesus gave this vocation to ALL His disciples and friends. The way we live our lives is our response to Him. We can respond to Him as ordained men, consecrated men and women in religious life, consecrated men and women in marriage, chaste and celibate single men and women. We all have ONE vocation which is "to preach the Good News" to all regardless of our chosen way of life. This unites as one family, sharing one baptism, called to the same holiness. St. Paul calls this unity the mystical body of Christ.
In my discernment of God's call, I recognized that indeed, God gave us all the same vocation. A Vocation that must be lived out in our daily lives whether we are single, married, ordained or consecrated. Priests are responsible for the holiness of the people God has entrusted to them. And vice versa: the People of God are responsible for the holiness of their priests.
To explore every options and possibilities we have in life is not bad at all. It allows us to experience the fulness of life and the blessings that God gives to His every creature and creation. These options and opportunities help us discover God more and more, and like Mary the sister of Lazarus, choosing the "better portion." At least that is our goal -- to choose God. Yes, sooner or later we do have to make that choice. We cannot just simply wonder and wander around all the time waiting for someone to make the decision for us. I have to make that decision and that choice. And you know what? I'm glad I did. The time I gave myself to venture out and experience life for a while before finally answering His call gave me the maturity and the openness of spirit that perhaps the seminary could not provide. From what I have discovered and learned from others, I have become more resolute to do my part, my share in fulfilling the command of Christ to "go out there and preach the Good News!" I learned that we have to discover first our own holiness while in the world so that when ordained as servants of God, the holiness is within and not imposed from without.

[jezic]

The call to holiness is very much the universal vocation.

[sidemunch88]

well this is the first time on PM i have ever been serious so here it goes:


I have no idead what i want to do after high school i am a junior so it gives me no time to think what i want to do with my life. I hope i figure it out one day!

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME

i am getting in to some preatty bad stuff

and it is not hellping me get closer to God

[TheOliverOrder88]

So if confusing wants to play, then let it play.

I go to a Christian Brother's school, the Christian Brothers are a order of brothers who's charism is teaching. Because I am a active participant in their youth group, I am in contact with them alot. That has been a blessing, knowing amazing men of God, who dedicate their lives to the art of teaching. It is so awesome to see what these guys can do.

I have been discerning a call to the priesthood even before I was in contact with them, that has been a staple.

One of the brothers came into our religion class today. He talked about this...teaching immergence program. Where you go to live in a homeless shelter for 4 weeks, then go live in a school run by them that focuses on middle school...in a really bad neighborhood. Then you go to some country south of the border (I am not sure what it is) and you work with the Christian Brothers there. I was really interested. Teaching has been a plan C for me. If I didn't get accepted into Kenrick Seminary, Webster University (for film), I'd go into teaching because thats all I really want to do besides the other aforementioned possibities.

I really have a connection to this order. I really enjoy their spirit, I love working with them. I love what they do. I thought for about 15 minutes that God was calling me to be a brother instead of a priest. Then I dismissed it because my sole vocation would be teaching. I don't just want to teach. Teaching would be a nice retirement package, but I want to do other things (i.e. priest things and film things).

What this brother talked about really confused me. I want to do it. I want to teach. I have a tendency that if I do something, I do something fully. For instance, if God was calling me to live a holy life, I want to solely work for him as a priest, because I want to work for him and him alone. In this case, if I were to teach, I would rather want to become a Christian Brother and just do that....for my whole life. But then again, I don't want to teach my whole life....

And it also really saddens me because their numbers have declined dramatically. They went down near close to 99%. There are few of them left. I love what they do, and I don't want to see them go.

Another thing is, they have a tendency not to be so orthodox. My German teacher for example doesn't where his habit. It doesn't bother me as much because he is a great teacher and I enjoy his class alot. He is so smart and I pretty much think he knows everything. Funny thing: We replace his name with all those Chuck Norris jokes so it would be...

Brother Bernard counted to infinity twice and Brother Bernard doesn't have to do anything for a Klondike bar and so on. He's old and its really funny.

So I really dont know now....

[heyyoimjohnny]

Been strugglin' lately... feeling empty. Feeling torn because I can't tell if the desires in my heart are my own or from God. Letting it get to me too much, letting the cross weigh me down without trying to lift it. Trying to pray, feel like I'm not doing enough. Wanting to be a priest but knowing I'm too weak. Wanting to love, but feelin' so, so empty, so tired... waiting for Him to fill me up... mulling over how I've never seen that I've borne any fruit... don't know what to do with myself, my time. trying to pray but realizing its not enough. trying to be strong but realizing I can't go it alone and afraid to seek guidance. feelin' helpless.

[Guest phatdaddy]

Heyoimjohnny,

Hey buddy, relax man. Take a deep breath. Now, I possess no special wisdom on this subject. But I will say that every vocation is different and every vocation is personal. Yes, there will be similarities that serve to help guide you but if you feel you might be called to priesthood then assume that you are. Stop trying to discern if it's real, that is it you or is it God. Forgetaboutit. You are probably not gonna resolve this. As I said assume God is calling you and begin seeing a spiritual director (that you trust). Walk by Faith not fully understanding how it will be or how can it be. Take the first step and you have begun your journey.

You will not be assured of your vocation until you are ordained a deacon because at that point the Church has spoken. So stop wasting valuable prayer time fretting over is it God or is it me. I guarrantee that after many years of training and living the life you will come to know clearly.

All you need focus on is loving Jesus more each day in the way He asks each day. Pray to fall maddly in love with this Jesus and I assure you the rest will take care of it's self.

God Bless you future Priest.

The Father of a future Priest named John

[ThyWillBeDone]

heyyoimjohnny,
You will go through many periods like you are in now, over the years. I am only a third year seminarian but I have had my share. Someone once told me, never make a decision about not seeking a certain vocation when you in a low point spirtually. It is good advice and it has kept me here in the Seminary on many occasions
God Bless

[heyyoimjohnny]

thanks, guys. your words help alot. this has been a very persistent desolation, and it's getting to me. I'm hoping to get a spiritual director sometime soon. the assistant vocations director I talked to suggested the same thing to me, said he'd find one for me if I was interested. I called him the other day and I'm still waiting to hear back. I'm praying things will work out there! we'll see what happens, though. my attitude seems a tad rediculous to me lately, and I can see I really need some guidance. so yeah, thanks again!

[ThyWillBeDone]

Spirtual Director is a great idea. I am sure he will be able to help out a lot. I don't know what I would do without mine.
God Bless

[djc08]

[quote]One of the brothers came into our religion class today. He talked about this...teaching immergence program. Where you go to live in a homeless shelter for 4 weeks, then go live in a school run by them that focuses on middle school...in a really bad neighborhood. Then you go to some country south of the border (I am not sure what it is) and you work with the Christian Brothers there. I was really interested. Teaching has been a plan C for me. If I didn't get accepted into Kenrick Seminary, Webster University (for film), I'd go into teaching because thats all I really want to do besides the other aforementioned possibities.

I really have a connection to this order. I really enjoy their spirit, I love working with them. I love what they do. I thought for about 15 minutes that God was calling me to be a brother instead of a priest. Then I dismissed it because my sole vocation would be teaching. I don't just want to teach. Teaching would be a nice retirement package, but I want to do other things (i.e. priest things and film things).

What this brother talked about really confused me. I want to do it. I want to teach. I have a tendency that if I do something, I do something fully. For instance, if God was calling me to live a holy life, I want to solely work for him as a priest, because I want to work for him and him alone. In this case, if I were to teach, I would rather want to become a Christian Brother and just do that....for my whole life. But then again, I don't want to teach my whole life....[/quote]

It sounds like you completely just pulled this out of my own life. I've seen some great missionaries and read about Mother Theresea and have wanted to become a brother so I could teach too. But then I feel really close to a vocation to the priesthood.

[Guest phatdaddy]

The oliverorder88

Dear Sir, If I may offer a little fatherly advice. Something to think about. In my view a religious vocation is a gift from God that can not be merited but only accepted or refused.

A religious vocation is NOT a career or a profession as such. All you spoke of in your chat was about you and your plans. My friend, God's plans rule. It seems to me that the first criteria for pursuing a religious vocation is a strong and insatiable love for Jesus and the Church. This has to be number one. This will get you through the hard times and there will be plenty. Along with this love, you need to have a tremendous amount of love for people out of love for Jesus. Because your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to save souls for Jesus. And to become a saint yourself.

In that respect, what you do to save souls, your apostolate, isn't as important as living out your vocation in the way God has called you. Whether you are a missionary in a 3rd world country, or a university professor, a parish priest, a seminary rector is secondary. Go wherever HE leads do the work He asks at the time. He will give you the talents you need to work in the areas He wants you to work.

Follow your desires because He put them there. Trust in Him. take it one day at a time. Love Him a little more each day and take it as it comes.

Work hard, study harder, pray constantly, be kind to people, smile alot and for cryin out loud talk to your spiritual director.

God continue to bless you.

[TheOliverOrder88]

[quote name='phatdaddy' date='Mar 14 2006, 08:58 AM']
Work hard, study harder, pray constantly, be kind to people, smile alot and for cryin out loud talk to your spiritual director.

God continue to bless you.
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I understand what you're trying to say. I know it sounds as if I am making my own decisions, I'm not. I somewhat relying on my emotions, my passions, and everything around me to discern the path God is calling me to(and of course prayer). I am trying to find out exactly where I am supposed to go to college. Thats all.

The brother idea isn't really realistic...well anyhoo I can't say. I'll sit and pray and watch what happens.

[Catholic Knight]

[color=blue]I'm discerning the priesthood, at the current moment. I felt the call on a Church retreat, and I've prayed about it. I'm an alter server so this, somewhat, helps with my decision on the matter. However, I have been trying to ignore the fact that I am being called, as I do not totally want to devote my life to Christ. I want to be in the computer profession. However, I do want whatever God wants. Maybe I'm just too young at the moment to really understand, or maybe I'm just being ignorant.

In any case, I am looking into getting a spiritual director. Although, I do not know who it would be.

Peace,
CK
[/color]

[Guest phatdaddy]

[quote name='Catholic Knight' date='Mar 15 2006, 05:31 PM'][color=blue]I'm discerning the priesthood, at the current moment. I felt the call on a Church retreat, and I've prayed about it. I'm an alter server so this, somewhat, helps with my decision on the matter. However, I have been trying to ignore the fact that I am being called, as I do not totally want to devote my life to Christ. I want to be in the computer profession. However, I do want whatever God wants. Maybe I'm just too young at the moment to really understand, or maybe I'm just being ignorant.

In any case, I am looking into getting a spiritual director. Although, I do not know who it would be.

Peace,
CK
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Hey CK,

Hang in there dude. You are doing all the right things. Don't worry, if God is calling you, He won't give you a minites peace (jk). No really, If He does call you to a priestly vocation, the desire for it will become stronger and stronger. If it does, assume you have a vocation and take that first step. If not, that's OK too, we need good computer guys too. :

Pray for a spiritual director and frequent the sacraments, in time you will know.

God bless you my friend.
Mr. Ray

[uruviel]

CK,
Also, don't be afraid to give your life to Jesus. With prayer, time, the sacraments, adoration, the idea of this world will loose it's apeal and God will be the only thing left in your life that you desire. Then you will be willing to give up all, everything you own, even yourself to Him as I have done. I will pray for you. Its a tough journey, as is everything in life, but it's not impossible. Hang tight, pray, and He wlil reveal the path for you. God Bless!
-Lori

[Guest phatdaddy]

[quote name='uruviel' date='Mar 22 2006, 04:33 PM']CK,
Also, don't be afraid to give your life to Jesus.  With prayer, time, the sacraments, adoration, the idea of this world will loose it's apeal and God will be the only thing left in your life that you desire.  Then you will be willing to give up all, everything you own, even yourself to Him as I have done.  I will pray for you.  Its a tough journey, as is everything in life, but it's not impossible.  Hang tight, pray, and He wlil reveal the path for you.  God Bless!
-Lori
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Excellent advice. Lori. I'm so impressed. Will you be my spiritual director......please.? Spiritual maturiy and wisdom, sometimes has nothing to do with ones age. It is edifying to see our good Jesus working in your soul. Thank you daughter for responding to His call. As you so well know, true happiness can only be found in God. I pray for you that you are able to give your life completely to Jesus as your heart desires. I pray for you every day......duhh. Love you sweetie.
daddy

[OLAM Dad]

Awwwwwwwwwwwww. How cute. You're a luck man, Phatdaddy

Edited March 23, 2006 by OLAM Dad