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June 2008 Issue
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to Feature Articles
Vocations
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Open to God's call Priesthood: FAQ (Part one
of two)
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Q:
Why does the church need priests?
A:
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the
life of the church. Without the Eucharist, there is
no church. Without priests, there will be no Eucharist.
All of the sacraments offer a personal encounter with
Christ, and the priest is the one who offers the sacraments
to the faithful.
Q: How do I know if
God is calling me to the priesthood?
A: You must pray
every single day asking God to reveal his plan for your
life. Today, many people look to the future and ask:
"What do I want to do with my life?" The proper question
to be asking is: "God, what do you want me to do with
my life?" |
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To know if you are being called to priesthood
or marriage, you must have a prayerful relationship with God,
since God is the one who calls us to a specific vocation.
Often when someone senses that God is calling him to the priesthood,
there is a negative reaction. This is normal, but do not think
it means you are not meant to be a priest. In addition, it
is normal to desire marriage and a family. Just because you
have this desire does not exclude the possibility that you
have a vocation to priesthood. The discernment process in
the priesthood must also include the church. Your bishop is
the one who will ultimately decide who is and who is not called
to be a diocesan priest. The priestly vocations office and
the seminary staff assist the bishop in this task.
Q: What qualities are looked
for in a candidate for priesthood?
A: A desire to serve God and others ... love
for the church ... deep faith ... a strong prayer life ...
leadership ability ... one who relates well with people ...
and one who is a builder of community.
Q: What do I do if I think
I am being called to the priesthood?
A: Speak to people you trust and get their
feedback. You may also wish to speak to your pastor or any
other priest you know. Most of all, speak with the director
of priestly vocations. He will be able to answer many of your
questions.
Q: Do I have to know for
sure I want to be a priest to enter seminary?
A: No. There are two levels of seminary formation:
college and major (theology). In both cases, seminary is not
only a place of education and formation, but a place for continued
prayer and discernment.
Q: Are most priests happy
in their vocation, in their lives and in their work for Christ
and the church?
A: Most priests are very happy in their vocation!
The life of a priest is very demanding, but also very rewarding.
The media often provide an incorrect impression of priests.
In the media, we are often depicted as largely unhappy, frustrated
and angry. This is simply not true.
- Father Ron Hutchinson is director of priestly
vocations for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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