How do I figure it out?
It’s not unusual for faithful, healthy men to feel attracted to priesthood; often times, they feel attracted to marriage as well. But most don’t know how to figure out if they might be called by God to be a priest. Here are some ways to determine if God might be calling you to priesthood.
Pray – No one will ever figure out God’s will for them if they don’t pray.
Continue receiving the sacraments – maybe consider something extra (e.g. daily Mass)
Slowly read scripture – Is God speaking to you as you reflect on his word?
Speak to God from your heart – As you think of priesthood, do you feel a sense of peace or anxiety?
Do some spiritual reading – does this evoke any feelings?
Quiet contemplation – Eucharistic adoration – where do you feel God drawing you?
Gather information – Good decisions demand good information
Articles – read as much as you can about the life of a priest, the process to becoming a priest and the joys/difficulties of being a priest. Vocation directors can provide these articles for you.
Talk to other men thinking about the same thing – it’s informative to converse with men thinking about the same questions as you.
Talk to priests and seminarians – find out how they discovered their call to priesthood
Make an appointment with a vocation director – he can provide you with a lot of information…without a hard sell. Fr. Walsh jjwalshie@aol.com
Get a spiritual director – this allows for honest, challenging and confidential discussions
Theological Reflection – God speaks to us through ordinary people and everyday events. Take time to reflect back on your day…was God speaking to you in any of those encounters?
Reflect on the following questions
What brings you joy at your deepest level? Most people called to priesthood would respond with “serving God and his people.”
What gifts have you been given by God? Does this tell you anything about what God might be asking you to do with your life?
If you were in a room with Jesus and you asked him what he needs you to do with your life, what would he tell you?
Join a priesthood discernment group
Discernment groups in the Diocese of Albany meet monthly to pray, eat and discuss topics of interest to men considering priesthood. Seminarians are present for these meetings and offer their insights.
Participate in programs offered by the Vocations Office
Shadow-a-Priest for a day
Dinner and discussion with Bishop Hubbard
Service projects
Barbeques and Tri-City Valley Cats Baseball with seminarians.
Take a retreat offered by the vocation office
Visit St. Isaac Jogues House and a major seminary
Attend a priesthood ordination
See if you find joy in serving others as Jesus did
Get involved in your parish – lector, eucharistic minister, greeter, RCIA, youth ministry, teach a religious ed. class, etc.
Volunteer at a nursing home
Bring communion to the homebound or hospital
Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry
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