Reddit reviews To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood

First of all, don't be surprised that you feel both.

Second, live today for today - a vocation isn't something that you "find" but your life that you live.

God won't let you ruin yourself; so throw yourself with wild abandon into your life. Visit Clear Creek for a month. Talk to people. Learn about the lay orders (did you know they exist?). Read books, such as To Save A Thousand Souls and Three to Get Married.

And understand that all vocations involve suffering; if Christ gave the gift of suffering to His Mother, who are we to expect to not suffer?

Totally normal to feel that way, friend. Do you have a spiritual director? Have you spoken to your vocation director?











I’d recommend reading this:











https://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514










It’s a great book for those discerning

"And why the Church has a rule about being in the Church for 3+ years before making the plunge."

Who told you it was that long? The Program of Priestly Formation says 2 years, not 3. Still, we will pray with you for a diligent discernment. I suggest getting a copy of the book To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett Brannen - it's an invaluable guide for priesthood discernment. You can buy it here or order it for free here if you're in a diocese that pays for it.

Also, the r/Discerning subreddit is devoted to people such as yourself. You'll have to contact the mods of that subreddit to enter, but your activity on r/Discerning will be hidden from public view.

Spiritu tecum!

Edit: adding links for the book.

To Save a Thousand Souls - even if you're not considering the priesthood.

If you read the book To Save a Thousand Souls, the author spends the last few chapters discussing the life of a seminarian all his years in seminary, as well as the life of a diocesan priest. Wonderful book!

Thinking about becoming a parish priest (diocesan)?

http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344226683&sr=8-1&keywords=to+save+a+thousand+souls

As far as I know, seminaries don't do that anyway. In the book To Save a Thousand Souls, Fr. Brennan devotes an entire section discussing common sins and struggles that a discerning seminarian has. He reinforces the statement that simply having same-sex attraction is not enough to ban someone from the priesthood. Rather it is the degree to which they act on that attraction, or support the lifestyle associated with it, that would determine if a man is eligible or not. This can only be determined through prayerful consideration and personal discussion between the seminarian and spiritual director.

Encyclicals are solid resources but without proper theological backing you might have a hard time grasping them.

Probably the greatest book for discernment is "To Save a Thousand Souls" by Fr. Brett Brannen

Definitely check it out, it's a great resource.

http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514

I also found that the Rule of St. Benedict is a helpful resource as well.

What Archdiocese or Order are you thinking of joining?

I’m glad to hear you’re genuinely discerning. Not enough Catholic men are. I highly recommend the book To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett Brannen. One of my favorite books on discernment.

https://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514/ref=nodl_

I was in a similar situation as you a few years ago. I desired both the priesthood and family life. This book, along with much prayer, helped discern my true vocation. Now I’m happily married with a 4 month baby boy. Couldn’t be at more peace. My brother also read the same book and went through a similar discernment process, he was ordained in June.