How do you know

[Montalo]

When did you know when you knew He was calling you, or what signs were there from Him to help see His will.

[Spirithound]

Hi Montalo, welcome to the group!
I have been discerning the priesthood for 4 or 5 years. I began to be drawn towards priesthood in university when I got involved with a university movement called Catholic Christian Outreach, and with Life Teen. At first I thought the call was to the permanent diaconate. There was a deacon at my parish who is an extraordinary man. I moved to another city for grad school, and in my new parish, the sacrament of reconciliation was a great help to me, and I felt God calling to me to be a celebrater of that sacrament.

How long have you been discerning?

[Montalo]

Thank you for the warm introduction.


It has been off and on since, if my memory serves me right, 8the grade(3-4 years).


I started to discern after I visited my seminary, for a requirment for the Ad Altare Dei emblem for Scouts

but, it faded until last year, when something just happened that i began to seriously discren again.

[Spirithound]

Coolness! So, (I hope I'm not rushing you along ) have you talked to your bishop or vocations director yet? Do you have a spiritual director? or a regular confessor?

[Montalo]

No, i have not yet


One of my things is, and this may just be my will and attraction, but i do not wish, if i do decide to enter the seminary, to serve in my current home Diocese (pittsburgh)


i have an attraction to either the Diocese of Buffalo, or the Archdiocese of Washington

How should i go about pursuing contacting and obtaining a spiritual director

Also, one of my problems is i have not confronted my parents about this yet, although I believe they may suspect it.

And, in passing conversations, i have been told that my father does not wish for me to become a priest


also, on a different note

after, if am ordained, will i have the ability to continue my educations, and work towards an S.T.D.

[Spirithound]

Originally Posted by Montalo

One of my things is, and this may just be my will and attraction, but i do not wish, if i do decide to enter the seminary, to serve in my current home Diocese (pittsburgh)


i have an attraction to either the Diocese of Buffalo, or the Archdiocese of Washington

How should i go about pursuing contacting and obtaining a spiritual director

Also, one of my problems is i have not confronted my parents about this yet, although I believe they may suspect it.

And, in passing conversations, i have been told that my father does not wish for me to become a priest

after, if am ordained, will i have the ability to continue my educations, and work towards an S.T.D.

To find a spiritual director, I would say ask your pastor, and he can point you to some people, usually priests, deacons, brothers or sisters, who do spiritual direction.

I think your further education would be at the discretion of your bishop.

Telling your nearest family can be the hardest! Praying for you!

[Montalo]

Originally Posted by Spirithound

To find a spiritual director, I would say ask your pastor, and he can point you to some people, usually priests, deacons, brothers or sisters, who do spiritual direction.

I think your further education would be at the discretion of your bishop.

Telling your nearest family can be the hardest! Praying for you!

for now, i have decided to stay within the Diocese of Pittsburgh, which is where i currently live

they provide the vocation director's email address,

my question now is, what do i say to him?

also, do you (or anyone) have any idea about being a chaplain, and the process for that?