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What should I look into when considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood?

Paul asks:

I have felt a call to the priesthood for quite some time, although I am only 15. Of course things could change with continuing discernment, I think that I am called to spread the Word of God and to perform the sacrifice of the Mass as a diocesan priest. How does one go about picking a good diocese? Should one stay in his own diocese or go someplace else? Does the tradition involved in saying the Mass vary depending on ones location within the United States? I would like to be a part of a more traditional diocese and I am wondering if you can give me some general information and perhaps recommend someone I could talk to about such matters. Thank you for your assistance!

Dear Paul,  

If you see that God is calling you to serve him in the diocesan priesthood, the logical place to serve would be in your home diocese, although other factors (the desire to serve in a poorer or needier diocese, for example, or if because of your health you needed a different climate...) could legitimately sway your decision. You bring up another, very practical (and spiritual at the same time) consideration and that is the conditions under which you would have to exercise the priesthood in a particular diocese and, you might add, the formation you will receive on your way to the priesthood.

 

As in all prudent decisions you will have to avoid two extremes: on the one hand, putting yourself in a position that, due to your principles and temperament, is going to prove over time to be untenable (some people are able to deal with pressure and adversity better than others); and on the other, of not being able to accept and adapt to situations that are not an abuse but definitely not to your liking or preference. It would be a mistake to go into the priesthood expecting to have everything always to your liking. You become a priest to serve and not to be served (Christ's words) and to become all things to all people (St. Paul). What matters is teaching Christ, giving his grace generously through the ministry of the sacraments, and identifying with him more each day through your own life of prayer and spiritual progress, spending your life for the souls in your parish, and giving your bishop the proper respect and obedience.

 

God bless,

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