A Vocations Story

brianbeenan

During Pope Francis's trip to Brasil there has been a lot of interest worldwide about dedicating ones life to God as a Religious or Priest.

Personally I think giving your life to Christ can be a wonderful experience. I was a Religious Brother for 8 years, I left before final vows and have since married. I wasn't sure it was my vocation,but at least I tried so I could rule it out, and my years a religious were some of the happiest of my life. I still keep in contact with many who remain and those who have left.

Ireland has a lot of Challenges, we are a country where 600+ men a year take their lives (according to the director of Pieta institute). And there are many out there who live day to day with various problems.

Take a pause in your life and think about doing something for others. I lived for 8 years with no possessions, just a suit case, a bible,a cross and some cloths, I had no bank account, no credit cards, no loans.. I left at 28 with absolutely nothing at all to my name. (well $500 from the order I used to belong to).

Today in my 40's with family/Work I live as a middle class Irish family, I am very happy, but when I think back there as something liberating about not having anything, it did have certain benefits of the soul.

Anyway... Sometimes the path less followed can be something amazing to experience. Any if you are not sure that Religious life or priesthood is for you then just try it. You have nothing at all to loose by giving a few years to making this world a better place and getting to know your faith better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNKYbbpkY-c

lmaopml

Thanks for sharing that Brian. The next world youth day is in Poland, and I would really love so much to go next year - just have to convince the hubby..lol...I think it would be a wonderful experience also for my two little ones to see the diversity of people and the unity in Spirit.

Also, you have reminded me to do something that I never seem to get the opportunity to do...Our Parish Priest is such a great guy, works so hard - I've never actually thanked him for being a Priest, and responding to that call. I'm gonna do that next chance I get...

brianbeenan

lmaopml wrote: »

Thanks for sharing that Brian. The next world youth day is in Poland, and I would really love so much to go next year - just have to convince the hubby..lol...I think it would be a wonderful experience also for my two little ones to see the diversity of people and the unity in Spirit.

Also, you have reminded me to do something that I never seem to get the opportunity to do...Our Parish Priest is such a great guy, works so hard - I've never actually thanked him for being a Priest, and responding to that call. I'm gonna do that next chance I get...

We are bring our kids to Poland for the next WYD, there will be a good group going from our Parish.

Yes, Thank your priest, While Priests don't look for gratitude for their work,, they are doing it for love of God, its always nice to know that Parishioners appreciate their work.

Jan T.

When I was younger I could never understand anyone wanting to be a Priest.

But now that I'm older and wiser and more mature in my faith, if I had my time over again, and knew then what I know now, I would strongly consider being a priest.

I was too fond of the ladies, and too unknowleable about my faith to consider it when I was younger. The attraction of ladies wears off, but thankfully, by the grace of God, my faith only gets stronger.

We should remember to pray for and support potential vocations, but above all else we should be aiming for quality not quantity.

There's an excellent lay catholic organisation to assist with supporting vocations :

http://www.stjosephsyoungpriestssociety.com/

"St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society is a Catholic lay organisation which exists to help student clerics on their journey to priesthood. The Society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religous life. It assists students for the priesthood both financially and by prayer. It promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass."

Please consider setting up a local St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society in your parish.

recourse

brianbeenan wrote: »

During Pope Francis's trip to Brasil there has been a lot of interest worldwide about dedicating ones life to God as a Religious or Priest.

Personally I think giving your life to Christ can be a wonderful experience. I was a Religious Brother for 8 years, I left before final vows and have since married. I wasn't sure it was my vocation,but at least I tried so I could rule it out, and my years a religious were some of the happiest of my life. I still keep in contact with many who remain and those who have left.

Ireland has a lot of Challenges, we are a country where 600+ men a year take their lives (according to the director of Pieta institute). And there are many out there who live day to day with various problems.

Take a pause in your life and think about doing something for others. I lived for 8 years with no possessions, just a suit case, a bible,a cross and some cloths, I had no bank account, no credit cards, no loans.. I left at 28 with absolutely nothing at all to my name. (well $500 from the order I used to belong to).

Today in my 40's with family/Work I live as a middle class Irish family, I am very happy, but when I think back there as something liberating about not having anything, it did have certain benefits of the soul.

Anyway... Sometimes the path less followed can be something amazing to experience. Any if you are not sure that Religious life or priesthood is for you then just try it. You have nothing at all to loose by giving a few years to making this world a better place and getting to know your faith better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNKYbbpkY-c

Which seminary did you join?

Turtwig

recourse wrote: »

Which seminary did you join?

Account is closed so you'll likely never get an answer.

recourse

Jernal wrote: »

Account is closed so you'll likely never get an answer.

Hmmm.. Would have been nice to know. So no way to contact the poster?

Turtwig

recourse wrote: »

Hmmm.. Would have been nice to know. So no way to contact the poster?

Nope, none. Sorry.

KatyMac

I just thought I'd add my story on here!
I'm a member of the Church of Ireland - reasonably regular attender, but nothing special.
A couple of years ago I was, what I can best call 'plagued' with an idea. It wouldn't go away, was constantly in the back of my mind. The idea was to become a lay-preacher. I managed to ignore the voice in my head for almost 4 years until I finally gave in and made some enquiries as to what was involved. The upshot of this is that I've been accepted to train as a lay-preacher and am over half way to completion - I should be done by middle of next year. But what I consider the most important thing is that the voice in my head has stopped. I am doing what God wants me to do and once I started on the route He is no longer 'plaguing' me, - just leaving me to get on with it??

recourse

For me the wake up was when a friend from work gave up his well paid job, to become a priest. The guy literally had it all. That started the question with me, no voices yet.. But a certain calling you might say, however I have been told to think about it more for a year.

I am tempted to look at joining the Franciscans.. There is a post further down about some new nuns in Ireland and they also have a Male order. I think if I am going to be a Priest I might as well do it right and be coherent with my decision and leave it all behind. Anyway I can't take my money to the grave.. So why carry it around with me until I die, not REALLY made me happy so far.

When I think about following Christ I feel an enormous sense of liberation and freedom, and this is something I have never felt, I like my work, but there is no fulfilment

KatyMac

recourse wrote: »

When I think about following Christ I feel an enormous sense of liberation and freedom, and this is something I have never felt, I like my work, but there is no fulfilment

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction. God is very good at letting you know what He wants you to do, as I've discovered. I'm too old to go down the complete ordination route which is why I will just become a lay minister. Had a significant birthday this year. But, if Himself wants more I've no doubt that I will 'hear' about it!! The very best of luck to you.