How old is too old? - Page 2

feed me · #16 Jul 16, '12, 9:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRealJuliane

Um, no, you are not too old. There is a specially dedicated seminary for older vocations, in Philadelphia I think, or maybe Boston.

I just watched "The Journey Home" the other night and it was a former BAPTIST who ended up as a Catholic PRIEST. He didn't say but I think he was at least 60 when he was ordained, and he said there was one guy even older than he was. He was married but his wife died.

I saw that same show.

philial · #17 Jul 17, '12, 6:36 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hallam

Hi,
a vocation has been on my mind recently. My question would be, however, is am i too old? I'm 40, be 41 this October coming.
God bless,
Hallam

Just realised that you a brit, and, judging by your tag, based in the North East? Haved a chat with your PP, who'll refer you to the Vocations Director for your area. I know that a couple of the seminarys in the UK cater for older men, but there's also a college in Spain as well as the Beda in Rome you could be trained at! Let us know how you get on?

TimothyH · #18 Jul 17, '12, 7:10 am

Everyone who says "You are never too old", keep in mind that many dioces and religious houses have a cut off age.

We hear of priests being ordained in their 50's, and that's because 50 is the cut off age in most diocese. A priest ordained in his 70's is extremely rare.

It bears repeating. As I posted previously, there is a cut off age. Anyone considering a vocation should do something about it now. Don't wait. The chances of you being accepted go way down after 50 years of age.

-Tim-

Hallam · #19 Jul 17, '12, 12:38 pm

Greetings and thank you once again, folks,
having a chat with me Parish priest, who is my spiritual director also, on Thursday evening after Mass. Nice to hear there are certainly options.

God bless,
Hallam

philial · #20 Jul 17, '12, 12:44 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimothyH

Everyone who says "You are never too old", keep in mind that many dioces and religious houses have a cut off age.

We hear of priests being ordained in their 50's, and that's because 50 is the cut off age in most diocese. A priest ordained in his 70's is extremely rare.

It bears repeating. As I posted previously, there is a cut off age. Anyone considering a vocation should do something about it now. Don't wait. The chances of you being accepted go way down after 50 years of age.

-Tim-

No doubt you're right, tim. So, maybe, the answer is to shop around? I'm sure that if God is behind the call, then it will be so!

Hallam · #21 Jul 23, '12, 11:55 am

Just a quick update. Me chat with me priest has to wait until he gets back from his vacation.
I've waited this long- a week or two's not a problem.
God bless,
Hallam

feed me · #22 Jul 23, '12, 1:02 pm

Your never too old. Ask Moses, err read about Moses, he was 80 years old when he was called.

ATeutonicKnight · #23 Jul 23, '12, 1:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hallam

Hi,
a vocation has been on my mind recently. My question would be, however, is am i too old? I'm 40, be 41 this October coming.
God bless,
Hallam

There is no such thing as too old for God's will in your life. I am unsure if you are a man or woman, but either way, look into the Franciscan Brothers Minor or Franciscan Sisters Minor. One of their biggest things is there is no age drop off. Seventeen to seven hundred, so long as you are called and are physically and mentally fit, you may enter.

Tampa Dave · #24 Jul 23, '12, 7:36 pm

Go for it, my friend! And may God be with you!

TimothyH · #25 Jul 25, '12, 6:48 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by feed me

Your never too old. Ask Moses, err read about Moses, he was 80 years old when he was called.

We can read the book of Exodus all day long but the reality is that most diocese and religious communiteis have a cut off age after which they will not accept you.

Listen to what the vocations director of a Cistercian monastery says in the first 20 seconds of the video here.

I'm not trying to discourage the OP, but simply stating the reality that the cut off age for acceptance to formation for the priesthood and religious life in most places is 50, and anyone in their early or mid 40's who feel that they have a vocation should act now, because your options go way down after you turn 50.

-Tim-

Sister MM · #26 Jul 30, '12, 11:46 pm

You might also consider becoming a Franciscan Friar. Not sure what their cut off age is, but you could become a brother and/or a priest.

Check out Marytown in Libertyville, IL.

Baja Bert · #27 Aug 1, '12, 9:52 pm

Details, Daughter, details? Can you find out where he was accepted? G*d love ya!

Mark1970 · #28 Aug 1, '12, 10:56 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hallam

Hi,
a vocation has been on my mind recently. My question would be, however, is am i too old? I'm 40, be 41 this October coming.
God bless,
Hallam

When I was 11 years old the Principal of my school resigned to start seminary in Rome. He was 62 at the time, ordained at 66. So i guess you're not too old!

paperwight66 · #29 Aug 2, '12, 7:53 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark1970

When I was 11 years old the Principal of my school resigned to start seminary in Rome. He was 62 at the time, ordained at 66. So i guess you're not too old!

Surely it takes longer than 4 years?

Mark1970 · #30 Aug 2, '12, 11:43 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by paperwight66

Surely it takes longer than 4 years?

Well, the bishop and the seminary staff didn't seem to think so!

Seriously, there may have been other factors involved. Such as previous study, already being over the minimum ordination age - there could be any reason.