Is It Vocation?

Question

Look, I am a Catholic, and i have many aspirations: General, Admiral, President, King, blabala. But now I understand that I like to preach the word of the Bible all the time. And being that I am a saggittaurious which often become priests. So I don't know if I am being called or not. I mean I think I wanna be a Priest, but My Mom And My Uncle are very faithful christians. My Grandma is the only one that understands and knows. So should I tell me family, or keep it secret. I mean, I don't wanna pop out when I am 20 and say "Hey, mom, I am a priest." But I don't wanna be critizised because of my strong faith. Could anybody help me. Should I tell them, or pop out say I'm priest and old age. I mean I originaly wanted to be a deacon, and they know that, but I always take things many steps further.

Answer 1

Hello there, friend. I somewhat understand the predicament you are in, as my parents often criticize me for decisions I make in faith.

First off, let me encourage you to pray about this decision to be a priest and about how to tell your parents. God may not be a booming voice telling you what or how to tell them, but He will be faithful in answering your prayer. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

Second off, the Bible tells us that we WILL be criticized for our faith. It's written everywhere. In the gospels, in Paul's letters, and in the other apostle's letters. They all speak of, endure, and lean of Christ's strength during persecuation. As should we. "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20; also read, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:12-13

Also remember criticism of faith is often taken offense to personally, but remember "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18

Take hope that in though this might be a struggle telling your parents, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4, and "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

Lastly, the part where honoring your parents come in. One of the ten commandments God gave to Moses was, ""Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:13. I would encourage you to tell your parents you would like to be a priest, but also letting them know you are open to change if it is in His will. Just as Abraham was told to sacrafice Isaac but at the last minute was told to stop, so God might be calling you here now but has the power to change that path. Even though it's hard, I think it will be a great development of your personal faith with Christ, and even a great ministry for your mom and uncle. It will be hard, but God works in miraculous ways, and I know he will use this time of trial for good. Good luck, God bless, and keep seeking His face!

Answer 2

Dear Conor... you have great aspirations... but your message shows that you are still very immature... and that you might be taking your vocational call with the wrong motivation. To become a priest... your motivation should be that you want to serve God by serving his children... that is why a priest is given the title of "Father" as they are the middle man between the laity and God... you have to be a Father to all the people that are in your charge. It is a VERY DIFFICULT life... and you must be prepared to be put to the test in your vows... Are you strong enough for keeping yourself chaste through out your lifetime??? Can you spend a month at a Monastery... and follow the "rule" and schedule of a monk... that would give you a clue if you truly have a calling... If you still want to be a priest... study and become a Deacon... and see how that works out. Then you will know more and be able to make a better decision... and you can go from there...
Yes, be up front with your family... find a Monastery that you can spend some time at... and say your prayers.... Good Luck... God's blessing!

Answer 3

this is probably the dumbest advice I surely have ever considered on Yahoo. thanks, Jill, for declaring: "you do not would favor to throw away means to do sturdy for human beings." surely, this is what being a grown-up means. once you choose to a minimum of one aspect, you could favor to through utilising necessity close the door on some element else. The recommend you're growing about seeing a vocations director asap is sturdy, yet i'd favor to remind you of a few element you could already be listening to: this is really not a decision between having a boyfriend and probably having a kinfolk persons as hostile to having a vocation. The committed married existence is a vocation. some element I undergo in recommendations from my protestant days it really is of fee to you: in case you journey rigidity, run away. Shepherds lead. it really is the butcher that pushes.

Answer 4

You don't mention your age.
Do you have a girl friend, do you want a wife? Children? Neither of those desires are reason alone to keep you out of the priesthood but if they are a burning desire...

Have you spoken to your priest about what is involved?
Ask him how he discover his calling was the priesthood?
Ask about the education requirements, lifestyle, assignments?
Also ask, if you become a deacon, and find you continue to feel a strong call to be a priest, what is involved in continuing your education to become a priest.
As to family, that's a tough one. Because you seem afraid to tell them I can only guess you don't trust them to be supportive.
I'm guessing that God would prefer you to be honest to yourself and your family and share with them that at this time you feel that God is calling you to the priesthood. And that you want to discover and learn if this is really what God has in mind for you.
In doing so you have both expressed your feelings and left room should you discover this isn't what God really has in mind for you.

As a student, of any type, family support is always hoped for but not always there. I speak from experience on that one, it is hard and sometimes discouraging to not have family support, but I was better off having it out in the open (note I said - I was better off) because I no longer had to "worry" about them "finding out" nor their likely criticisms. I was free to be a student.
Gods blessing on your calling, whatever it turns out to be.
God go with you.
(and no, I am not in the priesthood etc)

Answer 5

It doesn't sound like you're sure at this point. Is there someone you can get good spiritual advice from? Don't forget to have some serious discussions with God. If that's where he wants you, he'll find a way to let you know.
Wherever you believe God is calling you, don't let what other people think stop you. I do think honesty is always best. If you're going to be a priest, this is probably a great place to start.
Whatever you do, put God first. You won't go wrong.

Answer 6

The Holy Spirit will help you discern your vocation. Pray about it.

Answer 7

Go for it that's what drives you.
My only advice is you lose the astrology stuff - I don't think the church goes in for that sort of thing.

Answer 8

Be yourself and talk to your family about your feelings, they might understand you. Do not judge them before they know what's in your mind.

Answer 9

I think you should pray about it and ask God if that's what he wants you to do.

God Bless!

Answer 10

Do what you want. They will respect you decision.