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July/August 2008 Issue
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Vocations
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Open to God's call Priesthood: FAQ (Part two
of two)
Q:
But why can't priests get married? That
must be difficult.
A: Catholic priests do not get married
so as to dedicate themselves completely to God and his
people. The sacrifice of celibacy is a sign to the world
that only God can give us the happiness that we all crave.
Giving up something as important as marriage and family
is a powerful sign to the world that God is real and that
he is worth living for and sacrificing for. No, it is
not easy, but neither is marriage. The fact is every vocation
(religious life, marriage, single life) requires great
personal sacrifice. And there is great joy in sacrifice
when it is done for God and for others! |
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Q: Will I be lonely if I become a priest?
A: Loneliness is a part of every vocation at one time or another.
It is part of the human condition. Married people get lonely
at times, even though their spouses and children surround
them. Loneliness challenges us to look inwardly and discern
the source. In addition, loneliness calls us to a deeper prayer
life and reliance upon God.
Q: Do priests get paid?
A: Yes, priests get paid. Priesthood is not the path to great
wealth, but it is not the path of poverty either. Diocesan
priests receive a salary, as well as room and board, health
and car insurance.
Q: Can priests do anything they want for recreation
and fun?
A: A priest can do anything he wants for recreation, as long
as it is consistent with the Christian life and our universal
call to holiness. Many priests play golf, basketball, softball
and other sports. Others enjoy movies, theater and reading.
Some like to watch professional ice hockey, fish, travel and
every other imaginable entertainment.
Q: I'm not all that "holy." Can I still be
a priest if I'm not very holy?
A: Holiness (to be like Jesus) is a lifetime endeavor for
every person in every vocation. Don't worry if you don't see
yourself as very holy right now. God will form you slowly,
day by day and week by week, so that you will be ready to
be his instrument when the time comes. Repent of your sins,
receive the sacraments (including the sacrament of penance),
and pray every day. You will be surprised at how Christ-like
you can become!
Q: If I decide to go to the seminary to "give
it a try," am I committed for life?
A: No you are not. Most vocation directors agree that the
only way to really know that you have a vocation to the priesthood
is to go to the seminary and try. It will become more and
more clear to you once you are in an environment where everyone
is also discerning the priesthood. There is no obligation
to stay in the seminary if you discover that priesthood is
not for you. Some people go to the seminary and eventually
become priests while others discover different ways of serving
the Lord.
Q: Is the daily life of a priest interesting?
A: There is never a dull moment for those in the priesthood.
It is a great challenge, but it is also extremely rewarding.
When each day comes to a close, a priest can say, "Lord, today
I spent myself for you." What a wonderful thought with which
to end one's day!
- Father Ron Hutchinson is director of priestly
vocations for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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