What words might you use to describe the priesthood? Priests often describe their own lives as happy, bold, exciting, studious, Spirit-filled, and love-oriented. While these adjectives are certainly accurate, the priesthood must also be described as heroic, for priests die to themselves and give their lives utterly to Christ and His people. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron explains the radical self-gift demanded by the priesthood as well as the lavish graces God pours back into the life of each priest. The listener question asks how parents might nurture religious vocations in their children.
Click here to listen to the episode.
Click here to listen to the episode.
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Christ’s invitation to priesthood is an invitation to a way of life that is beautiful and challenging. In this short film, priests respond to some questions and talk about what it means to be a priest and the joy that emerges when a man gives himself to God's call.
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Steps to Better Hear God's Call
Pray. Take the time to consider how God is speaking to you. All of us have a lot that is happening around us. It’s important to make time to listen to God in whatever way works best for you, whether it be in front of the Blessed Sacrament, on a walk or in the silence of your own room.
Take Notes. Sometimes the process of discerning God’s call can be a little overwhelming, to say the least. If you can begin to write down some of the things that are running through your mind it can help you to sort through what can otherwise be a muddled mess of emotions and thoughts.
Don't Let Your Past Become History. God has a plan for us and He uses all of our lives, even what has already happening, to call us to Himself. Consider what in your past has brought you to where you are today.
Talk About It. Talk to one person, someone that you feel you can trust. It can be a difficult thing to tell people that you are considering a religious vocation, but it’s important that you are able to process some of your thoughts with another person. It may be a friend or it may be a priest or someone living the religious life.
Look For Models To Follow. Take a look around at people whom you admire. Look at priests or religious communities and begin to ask questions about what kind of life they live. Seek out those who are asking the same questions. You can contact your diocesan vocation office to get more information on these opportunities.
Do Something In Your Parish. Get involved in the life of your parish as a catechist, lector, Eucharistic Minister or some of other form of service.
Ask For Prayers. Don’t be ashamed to ask people for their prayers. Even if you don’t tell them you are thinking about a religious vocation, just ask them to pray for you. If you feel comfortable, ask your pastor to pray for you as you work through this decision.
Live Your Life! Just because you are discerning your vocation, it doesn’t mean that you just stop living your life. Keep doing what you do and follow what gives you energy and peace. Keep an eye out for the voice of God in everyday life.
Take Notes. Sometimes the process of discerning God’s call can be a little overwhelming, to say the least. If you can begin to write down some of the things that are running through your mind it can help you to sort through what can otherwise be a muddled mess of emotions and thoughts.
Don't Let Your Past Become History. God has a plan for us and He uses all of our lives, even what has already happening, to call us to Himself. Consider what in your past has brought you to where you are today.
Talk About It. Talk to one person, someone that you feel you can trust. It can be a difficult thing to tell people that you are considering a religious vocation, but it’s important that you are able to process some of your thoughts with another person. It may be a friend or it may be a priest or someone living the religious life.
Look For Models To Follow. Take a look around at people whom you admire. Look at priests or religious communities and begin to ask questions about what kind of life they live. Seek out those who are asking the same questions. You can contact your diocesan vocation office to get more information on these opportunities.
Do Something In Your Parish. Get involved in the life of your parish as a catechist, lector, Eucharistic Minister or some of other form of service.
Ask For Prayers. Don’t be ashamed to ask people for their prayers. Even if you don’t tell them you are thinking about a religious vocation, just ask them to pray for you. If you feel comfortable, ask your pastor to pray for you as you work through this decision.
Live Your Life! Just because you are discerning your vocation, it doesn’t mean that you just stop living your life. Keep doing what you do and follow what gives you energy and peace. Keep an eye out for the voice of God in everyday life.