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[ec2kadm]

David NY   Posted: Aug 24 2006, 09:33 AM 

 I feel blessed to have discerned my vocation at such a young age, something very few poeple are able to do. For me, it wasn't as if a thunderbolt from heaven slammed into me, and I suddenly realized, "Aha". No it was a quiet whispering, not aloud, but just internally, that made me say, "Actually, I want to be a priest". The next weeks brought me ever closer to my certainty, and by the end of that month, I was now saying "I am going to be a priest." My question is one of necessity. I am looking forward to seminary immensely, and I would love to mattend the American College at Louvain. This is where my discernment guide and bishop both went, and it is a very prestigious school. However, here it is necessary to attend a normal college for four years, then have two years working, and then seminary. The reason for this is, of course, " . . . to make certain that all vocations are genuine, and not merely whims of the day." I know that I will be a priest, I just feel it. Corny yes, but seriously, I just know that it is the right life for me to lead. I wrote a letter to the pope, asking if he would allow me, with dispensation or what not, to simply step into the seminary once I graduated High School, and then attend college after I was ordained. He seemed partial to the idea, but he wrote that I should consult my bishop first. What are your feelings on the issue

[ec2kadm]

Middy   Posted: Aug 30 2006, 08:55 PM 

 I believe it would be a good idea to do what all priests have done before you... In the end you will still be a priest and that will be for the rest of your life... Follow the process that has been set up for potential priests there is a reason for the process....

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May the Lord bless you and your family abundan

[Sr.ElizabethSDS]

Dear David,

Sounds like you are on fire. Congratulations.
Patients is part of the process. I admire the fact that you took the initiative to write to the Pople and good for him in answering.

Know that each seminary has its rules and programs.  Since you are young...just take it one day at a time. I know that the "Fire" feels real and it is. There are things you can do to calm the "Fire".

It would be good to begin to learn all you can, begin to participate at your parish, sign up for volunteer work, find a place to serve the poor. Participate in workshops and work with youth. There are so many things you can do to prepare yourself for the big day or days ahead.

Know that I will be praying for you. We also hold vocation chats here once a month. I hope to see you there. It could also help to share your experiences with others.

Many blessings in the Divine Savior,
Sr. Elizabeth SDS

[scrape23]

Hello Sr.ElizabethSDS,

You mention Vocation chats once a month, but when exactly does that take place?

John

[Sr.ElizabethSDS]

Hi Scrape,

Our vocation chat will run on the third Saturday of each month. Unless something happens that I can't make it.
I will post a reminder before each third Saturday.  Hope to see you there!!
Sr. Elizabeth SDS