This is a daunting thing to ask, so I commend you for your courage to at least honestly engage the question. Often our desire to follow the Lord unreservedly is mixed with doubts, concerns, and fears: Am I worthy of this call? Could I be happy as a priest? What if I get my vocation wrong?
These fears paralyze you from answering God’s call to holiness and happiness. Therefore, throughout the Bible, the most consistent declaration that God immediately provides to accompany any call is “Be not afraid” (see Gen 46:3, Gen 15:1, Jer 1:8, Lk 1:30, Lk 5:10)
One simple way to diminish fears around your vocation is to learn more. Simply growing in knowledge of the priesthood, seminary life, and yourself will help you to realize that many of your fears are founded in misconceptions. That is why we offer several resources and events for young men discerning God’s call, such as:
These resources will help you to see the reality of priestly discernment and so grow in confidence to make a commitment to the Lord. For more information or to set up an appointment to talk with me personally, please contact me at burnsg@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org.
This knowledge is helpful, but it can only get you so far. Because a vocation is a supernatural calling from God, you cannot merely think your way through it. You can only receive it and respond generously as the fruit of a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. In other words, you have to pray. Attendance at Mass, the Sacrament of Confession, praying the Rosary or the Liturgy of the Hours, time in silence and Eucharistic adoration will all allow you to come to know the Lord who calls you. You will discover that He knows you better than you know yourself. He has a unique plan and mission for your life that will lead to your happiness and holiness. He invites you to give your life as an instrument for the salvation of souls. Ultimately, He is Love who calls you to a life of love, and “perfect love drives out fear” (1 Jn 4:18). Therefore, no matter what doubts or fears arise, follow His call to love. Be not afraid!
BEFORE YOU SCROLL ANY FURTHER, take a moment in reflection with the Lord. Read the statements below slowly. Bring them to prayer. Listen honestly to what is stirring in your heart, and be open to wherever God may be leading you. It may be that He is inviting you to consider the priesthood.
The possibility of becoming a priest keeps returning to my mind.
Others have suggested that I might have the qualities needed to be a good priest.
I’ve found myself saving or revisiting information about the priesthood.
I feel hesitant or nervous about sharing these thoughts with family or friends.
I sense a desire to give my life more completely in service to others.
When I hear the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass, I sometimes imagine preaching on them.
I feel a deep longing to help others encounter Christ and grow in faith.
Regular participation in Mass, prayer, and Adoration is essential to my spiritual life.
I have a growing sense that God’s plan for my life may be different from the one I have mapped out for myself.