I've been discerning a vocation to the priesthood for quite some time now. My question is this:

May I, from a diocese with an abundance of vocations and priests, apply to the Archdiocese of Boston? I feel called to the priesthood, and I feel called to serve in a place where there is a need. I know that there is a need all over the world, but I have been reading a lot lately on the crises in Boston. They are closing down parishes and are experiencing a shortage of priests and vocations to the priesthood. May I, as a young guy in his early 20's, apply there? Or will they tell me that I may only apply to my home archdiocese?

-- Glenn Warner (GlennWarner@yahoo.com), September 26, 2004

Answers

Hello Glenn, I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to tell you that I think it's wonderful that you are discerning the priesthood! I myself am considering the sisterhood for the future. God bless you!

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), September 26, 2004.

Wish I could help Glenn but I don't know anything about that. I did want to add my voice of support to Emily's. I'll keep you in my prayers. Let us know one day how it all pans out for you. God bless!

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), September 27, 2004.

Glenn they will probably require a letter from your local archbishop saying he has no objection. The Church says that priests should be drawn from the communities which they serve, but provided there is no great cultural or other difference between your community and Boston I don't think anyone would have a problem.

Alternatively you could apply to join a religious order which has a house in Boston. Of course you would have to go wherever your superior in the order sent you but I’m sure if they knew you have a passion to work in Boston they would take that into account.

-- Steve (55555@aol.com), September 27, 2004.

glenn-- what is it that calls you to the priesthood? is your decision a long one? did you just KNOW one day that it could be an option for what you do with your life? and...IS it an "option"? or do you really feel that God is compelling you, influencing you, to take this route?

vocations and the catholic clergy life where one gives up A LOT (marraige, having your own house, etc) if fascinating to me.

-- jas (jas_r_22@hotmail.com), September 29, 2004.

Hi, Jas

'..Vocations and the Catholic clergy where one gives up A LOT (Marriage having your own house.....'

I think God calls our holy priests and nuns. I don't think a holy priest thinks they are giving up something. In my opinion(and just that) a priest that thinks like that wasn't called by our Lord.

What about the Catholic Man or Lady that never got married and rents an apartment? What did they give up? You need to be called by God to get married, or be ordained.

God bless you

-- - (David@excite.com), October 03, 2004.

Every vocation is a calling - clergy, religious, married, or single. Every vocation calls people to "give up a lot", and every vocation provides a lot to those who are called to it. A person will never experience true joy, peace and fulfillment in their life until they have found the vocation to which they are truly called.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 03, 2004.

Funny, I think marriage would be giving up a lot. The real sacrifice, for me, would be if I were never able to join the sisterhood. This is where I am drawn (at this time at least) and I believe that I am called there. I don't think that I could ever feel as if I had truly lived my life to the fullest if I do not become a sister.

Paul M said: A person will never experience true joy, peace and fulfillment in their life until they have found the vocation to which they are truly called.

While I agree with this statement, the one problem I see if that it may cause people to worry or doubt their vocation, perhaps thinking that they are in the wrong one, thus making their lives miserable. If you have already committed yourself to something (eg. marriage, priesthood, religious life, the diaconate, etc) then that is your calling and that is where God wants you to be. If something happens to end that commitment (eg. death of a spouse), then one is open to pursue other vocations. But what God values is people keeping their holy commitments to honor Him.

Those who have not yet made such commitments should pray and pursue where God leads them. Perhaps pray that God will preserve you from making the wrong commitment, and then pursue wherever your heart is. If it is the wrong path, God will convict you of that and close those doors. I thank God that He brought me to Catholicism, and in doing so, made clear what vocation I should pursue, before I had any commitments for marriage or anything like that. I believe this is a result of a prayer I prayed as a young teenager (and still a Protestant) that God would guide me in this regard and not allow me to enter into anything that is outside His will.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), October 03, 2004.

Thanks Emily,

My statement, "A person will never experience true joy, peace and fulfillment in their life until they have found the vocation to which they are truly called" might be taken to mean that once a person does identify their true vocation their life will always be overflowing with joy, peace and fulfillment. That of course is not usually the case. It is true that a person who is truly responding to God's will can experience a deep inner joy and peace that never goes away ...

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

... but it is also true that no person lives a life free of hardship and suffering (tribulation). Our Savior didn't. Why should His followers expect anything different? Especially after He said "If you would be my disciple, take up your cross and follow Me". Human nature being as imperfect as it is, we may sometimes experience doubts and temptations regarding our vocation, when we find ourselves in turmoil; but grace will always see us through as long as we cling to the source of grace. I probably should have said "A person will not be in a position to experience true joy, peace and fulfillment in their life until they have found the vocation to which they are truly called". But simply being in a position to experience something doesn't guarantee that we will constantly experience it. That depends largely on the degree to which we remain connected to the source of that inner joy and peace. Some of the great saints apparently experienced a level of joy and peace in their lives to that few of us ever find; but they also experienced some of the greatest sufferings.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 04, 2004.

Paul M., that's also true. Thanks for sharing! I especially liked when you said:
That depends largely on the degree to which we remain connected to the source of that inner joy and peace.

I agree, because even amidst all the suffering in the world (eg. Job lost nearly everything and was mocked by his "friends"), Job did not lose his faith in God. I think that knowing God and following His will is all the joy and peace that one ever needs! It is such a privilege to serve a God like ours, who loves us that much. :-D

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), October 04, 2004.