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A spiritual director is invaluable in discerning God’s spirit for the priesthood. One cannot walk that path alone, for arriving at the decision to become a priest is impossible without counsel.
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As for me, I grew up in a world very different from the world today, but in the end situations are similar. On the one hand, the situation of “Christianity” still existed, where it was normal to go to Church and to accept the faith as the revelation of God, and to try to live in accordance with his revelation; on the other, there was the Nazi regime which loudly stated: “In the new Germany there will be no more priests, there will be no more consecrated life, we do not need these people; look for another career.” However, it was precisely in hearing these “loud” voices, in facing the brutality of that system with an inhuman face, that I realized that there was instead a great need for priests. This contrast, the sight of that anti-human culture, confirmed my conviction that the Lord, the Gospel and the faith were pointing out the right path, and that we were bound to commit ourselves to ensuring that this path survives. In this situation, my vocation to the priesthood grew with me, almost naturally, without any dramatic events of conversion. |
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| You may ask yourself - Do I have what it takes to become a priest? Am I the type of person God is looking for to sheperd his flock? Priests are ordinary people, and God uses ordinary people to change the world - all types of ordinary people. After all, Christ's disciples were an ordinary and diverse group - ranging from fishermen to a publican. Each was a unique vessel with unique qualities - that Christ knew could be molded and transformed into the ultimate instrument of God.
With unique interests, backgrounds and temperaments, individual priests bring talents to the table that God can work into the extraordinary. But assuming the mantle of a priest doesn't mean that you automatrically abandon humanity. Your family, friends, experience, background, temperament and attitude all factor into who you are before and after you become a priest. The difference in the latter is - you are now wholeheartedly following the call of Christ using your these factors as tools in His service.
The priesthood is a viable career path; a calling – that you too can follow.
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Cardinal Roger Mahony
Life-Long Commitments
Are Not Easy |
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It has been my experience over 34 years as a Bishop that every priest and Bishop is strengthened in his vows and commitments if he is faithful to the following three essential elements:
i) Make prayer a serious part of daily life. Spend time each day before the Blessed Sacrament entrusting your life and your ministry to Jesus Christ.
ii) Meet regularly with a Spiritual Director. Be open and honest with your Spiritual Director about your struggles and challenges...
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Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
A New Way of Living |
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It's about welcoming people who come into this church, broken unforgiven, addicted, struggling just like the pastor. And finding the meaning of our ability to share, our story, our addiction, our darkness. Sharing that, somehow in that moment we see wounded souls - but incredible grace, new life, new hope - a new way of living...
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Msgr. Timothy Dyer
Jesus was the reason for Staying |
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How and why did you decide to become a priest? Was there one defining moment or a series of events?
As a child, I had a home in which the Catholic faith was integrated as a natural part of everyday experience: prayer, religious pictures and statues in the house, my parents saying the rosary daily and always Mass on Sunday. I had a vivid sense of Jesus’ presence at my First Communion, and my mother said I’d talk about being a priest since I was 5 or 6 (of course, mothers sometimes exaggerate, but this may have been an accurate report). I read what I call ”my first big book” when I was nine years old: The life of St John Bosco. I liked all he did with the youth in his parishes. When I reached the final chapter detailing his death, I cried… From then on, I prayed to him to help me become a priest...
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Msgr. Timothy Nichols
A Human Side of
Living for Christ |
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How and why did you decide to become a priest? Was there one defining moment or a series of events?
For me, it was a series of events. I was deeply influenced by my two uncles who are priests. One was a parish priest, the other was a missionary in China. Both served as priests for 60 years. When I was growing up, they were my heroes and captured by imagination.
What do you love about being a priest?
Primarily, I love the celebration of the Eucharist, but I also love the administration of the sacraments and parish administration...
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| What is the Priesthood? |
| The priesthood is a divinely instituted sacrament begun by Christ at the Last Supper in order to continue His ministry in the world... |
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| Newly Ordained Priests |
| "Follow me!" How much faith and courage does it take to answer Christ's call - without reservation? Mark relates the story of Christ recruiting his first disciples. |
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| Priests' Testimonials |
| As for me, I grew up in a world very different from the world today, but in the end situations are similar... |
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| Seminarians' Testimonials |
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| Diocesan and religious priests |
| A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the Church within a well-defined geographical area (a diocese)... |
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| Qualities of the priesthood |
| Candidates for the priesthood should exemplify a personal relationship with God, love for ther Catholic faith, a desire to help others and other characteristics... |
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| Life of a parish priest |
| The parish priest does a little bit of everything. He is sometimes described as a jack of all trades... |
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