This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. By using this site, you consent to the placement and use of these cookies. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more. ACCEPT

Two Things To Do While You’re Discerning

For years, Jacob has thought about being a priest. Sometimes it has been just a passing thought. A few times, especially during Mass, it’s been a very strong attraction. And sometimes—especially when he is dating—the thought seems to be altogether absent.

Jacob’s experience is actually very common among men who enter seminary. While some men report always wanting to be a priest as long as they can remember, others apply to seminary only after a long period of discernment.

What do you do during that long period? The short answer is to try doing some things that priests do. Of course, you can’t administer the sacraments, which is central to the priestly life, but priests do plenty of other things, too.

Here’s a couple of ideas for testing your vocation.

Teach

There’s an old saying: “We learn by teaching.” When you have to explain the Faith to others in a compelling way, you quickly learn that good preparation is vital. And that means you’ll devote plenty of time mastering your subject material before stepping to the front of the class.

Teaching RCIA, leading a Bible study, helping with the youth group—these are all great “priestly” roles. By taking the initiative to teach, you’ll discover the real joy there is in bringing Christ to others. When the Holy Spirit works through you to touch someone’s heart, it’s both humbling and exhilarating. If you find satisfaction in this, it could be one sign you’re called to the priesthood.

Serve

One seminarian related: “My pastor knew I was thinking about the priesthood, and he trained me to take Communion to the sick. Honestly, just thinking about the smell of the hospital gave me second thoughts. Every week, I cringed at the thought of going, but I was always, always grateful by the time I left. I didn’t like the smell any better, but I knew I was bringing Jesus to people in need.”

Let’s face it; sleeping in Saturday morning is a lot easier than waking up early for the Habitat for Humanity build. And yes, you may have to DVR your favorite History Channel show because the Boy Scouts or Knights of Columbus meet on Thursday evenings.

We can all think of a thousand reasons we’re too busy to serve, but the truth is we all have the same amount of time in a week. It’s how we choose to use it that’s different.

A priest’s life is not his own. He is ordained for others, not himself. That’s why serving others is a great way to test your vocation.

Discovering your true vocation is not easy. It takes time, along with a lot of soul-searching and prayer. But on a practical level, if you seek out opportunities to teach and serve, you can get a small taste of the life of a priest. Go talk to your pastor, a chaplain, or a priest you trust, and ask how you can get involved.



best diet pills after gastric bypass keto actives pills uae do you have to take pills on the keto diet electrolyte pills keto weight loss pills causing heart attack glp medication for weight loss lady lean diet pills belly fat burning diet pills chinese weight loss pills 2023 weight loss surgical pills that work apple cider pills reviews for weight loss best berberine supplement for weight loss keto slim pills where can u purchase them when should i take keto gt pills swanson diet water pills weight loss going off the pill

kushy punch cbd gummies cbd gummies for mood disorder best gummy beard cbd on amazon cbd gummies legal in indiana cbd gummies for sports cbd gummies to stop smoking shark tank reviews just cbd cannabidiol gummies 500 mg cbd gummies for headaches cbd gummies for stomach issues best cbd gummies for ed cbd gummies at gas stations good vibes gummies cbd

eds and birth control pills how to last longer sontime sex pills for sex enhancement which penis pills are best best male enhancement pills in uae does erection pills have side effects male enhancement pills tom gold lion male enhancement pill reviews no sex after abortion pill non prescription ed pills walmart free pills for erectile dysfunction sex inhancement pills apple juice makes penis bigger black diamond sex pill erection pills lincoln ne cheap penis enlargement pills that work