Seminary/Discernment

God usually calls in ordinary and more subtle ways, such as by drawing a person’s heart to the priesthood out of love for God and the Church. While some might experience extraordinary signs of a vocation, they are not the norm and should not be desired by us nor should we oblige God to act in that way.

That’s right, no one is worthy or ever will be worthy. But God in His goodness and love, as a sign of His Divine Election calls some to lay down their lives so that others may live. We might say with Saint Peter, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8), but Jesus will not abandon us. We are to trust in His mercy and strive to live out the holiness of the priesthood. We allow the image of Jesus Christ Crucified to be built up in us more and more each day through prayer and through sacrifice.

You have a responsibility to discern the process fully. Ultimately, it is a free choice – God is not going to force you or to condemn you, but He offers the life of the priesthood as He offered complete consecration to the rich young man who was free to leave… but sad. Consider this – the souls that would have been provided for. St. Terese of Lisieux said that we can respond to the Lord with different levels of generosity.

We handle it on a case-by-case basis, especially since most people have loans from their time in college.

The rewards are out of this world! The faithful support priests and provide for our material needs, such as a place to live, food to eat, etc. While you will not be a millionaire if you become a priest, there is no reason why priests should not have a sufficient salary to live.

No, that’s what a period of discernment is for. It would be akin to courting and dating.