Heed the Call !!!

I am writing with the hope that there are some young men out there (18 years of age or older) who might be considering the priesthood. Maybe there are some who have thought about it, then for one reason or another pushed the idea out of your mind. This is an invitation to sincerely ask yourself if God is calling and if you think this is the case, why not give God a chance. Give it a try!

I feel that the Lord is calling some of you, if not many of you. Here is some advice. Talk to a priest, a trusted friend or confidante.

In the end you will never know unless you try it. Prayerful Discernment is important. This discernment may lead you to the seminary where your reflection will continue. Seminaries are houses of formation where men go "to figure it out."

I know that sounds simplistic but basically that's what it is all about. Through sound spiritual, academic and disciplinary components candidates continue discernment.

It is true, discernment for some, leads them to embrace new ways of life while, for others, this discernment eventually leads to ordination. What I think should be clear is - don't give a deaf ear to the invitation to "figure it out."

How tragic to reflect later in life at age 55/60 and "wonder if" I should have been a priest.

So, to you men out there who have given some thought to this matter, Pope John Paul II said "Do not be afraid."