Ever thought about becoming a Priest?

kryptonmight

It's something I've considered recently, especially when I hear about the shortage of priests. Although I think the celibacy thing is an obstacle for me and I'm not sure I'm willing to give up on the option of getting married etc.

Have you ever considered it and if so, what made you decide to go ahead with it or to decide to do something else?

_Redzer_

It's crazy, that's why I never did it. What a waste of a life, you're basically doing nothing.

AthAnRi

kryptonmight wrote: »

It's something I've considered recently, especially when I hear about the shortage of priests. Although I think the celibacy thing is an obstacle for me and I'm not sure I'm willing to give up on the option of getting married etc.

Have you ever considered it and if so, what made you decide to go ahead with it or to decide to do something else?

Yea I went on the http://exploreaway.net/ program. Which is basically 5 weekend retreats that try to help you determine your chosen vocation in life. I found it very beneficial and it certainly helped clarify what vocation I should choose.

BTW the Celebacy thing is the biggest obstacle for many so don't let that deter you from exploring your vocation in life.

RENFE

I have to admit this is something I think about a lot, for some time now. It is a massive decision though. Right now I am studying for a PhD so I have decided I will spend the next couple of years finishing that and use the time to discern the decision.

Manach

I'd have respect for those who chose a true religious vocation. My own experience growing up was a positive interaction with such as key members of the community. Historically speaking in the main they have been of good benefit to the wider society. However I've never had the calling myself and would especially based on some of my more waspish thread responses might need to reflect more on the Gospel messages, at great length.

martinedwards

as a Prod, the celibacy thing isn't an issue.

I knew it was a door I had to knock on.

I went to the Bishop, and after a fair bit of discussion and checking up with my rector he recommended me to the selection committee.

a long weekend at the college in Dublin with a load of interviews with different senior church folk and at the end of it they felt that although I had a load of gifts, I wasn't being called to the ordained ministry at that time.

SoulandForm

kryptonmight wrote: »

It's something I've considered recently, especially when I hear about the shortage of priests. Although I think the celibacy thing is an obstacle for me and I'm not sure I'm willing to give up on the option of getting married etc.

Have you ever considered it and if so, what made you decide to go ahead with it or to decide to do something else?

There are Eastern Rite Catholics in Ireland-if you cant handle celibacy maybe you should consider them?

SoulandForm

_Redzer_ wrote: »

It's crazy, that's why I never did it. What a waste of a life, you're basically doing nothing.

Even if what you believe about God was true- in no way would it be a waste of a life. Clergy not only serve God but they serve other human beings; they provide support, advice, leadership, kindness, reproof, etc. The idea that they do basically nothing is extremely far from the truth.

_Redzer_

SoulandForm wrote: »

Even if what you believe about God was true- in no way would it be a waste of a life. Clergy not only serve God but they serve other human beings; they provide support, advice, leadership, kindness, reproof, etc. The idea that they do basically nothing is extremely far from the truth.

It's what I believe. I believe it's a waste to preach what I think to be fabricated nonsense from 2,000 years ago that never happened. And the continued spread of that, and the message isn't always so nice and inclusive, is something society could do without.

I'm really glad the vast majority of young people have no interest in joining the priesthood, they can go on to do something far more productive for humanity like becoming a scientist, engineer or doctor, sure they could be social workers and counsellors and be far more able for the job than a priest ever could if you're talking about kindness, leadership, advice and support.

I never understood the need for priests, or churches for that matter. If god is important to you why must you all gather like a cult to worship him and pay a priest for that? Surely praying on your own time is far more intimate and direct, and maybe even more meaningful. But there's no money and power to be made in that so the masses must be herded and made think it's vital they attend mass, or else.

Benny_Cake

_Redzer_ wrote: »

It's what I believe. I believe it's a waste to preach what I think to be fabricated nonsense from 2,000 years ago that never happened. And the continued spread of that, and the message isn't always so nice and inclusive, is something society could do without.

Mod note: Describing Christianity as "fabricated nonsense" on a Christianity forum is not in keeping with the charter. If you want to debate the existence of God in a civil manner that is in keeping with the charter, then you may do so on this thread. Don't post on this thread again.

indy_man

_Redzer_ wrote: »

It's what I believe. I believe it's a waste to preach what I think to be fabricated nonsense from 2,000 years ago that never happened. And the continued spread of that, and the message isn't always so nice and inclusive, is something society could do without. .

Redzer you just prove to me idiocy of the times we live in and the amount of people who have been gravely deceived by lies from media and other sources. All the more reason why we need more good and holy priests. Being a priest is one of if not the most important jobs out there.


"If someone wants to destroy religion, he begins by attacing priests, for wherever there are no more priests, there is no sacrifice, either, and where there is no longer a sacrifice, there is no religion either."

St John Vianney (1786-1859)


"The priest continues Christs work of redemption on earth"

St John Vianney (1786-1859)


1 Peter 2
4 He is the living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him 5 so that you, too, may be living stones making a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer the spiritual sacrifices made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Benny_Cake

indy_man wrote: »

Redzer you just prove to me idiocy of the times we live in and the amount of people who have been gravely deceived by lies from media and other sources. All the more reason why we need more good and holy priests. Being a priest is one of if not the most important jobs out there.


"If someone wants to destroy religion, he begins by attacing priests, for wherever there are no more priests, there is no sacrifice, either, and where there is no longer a sacrifice, there is no religion either."

St John Vianney (1786-1859)


"The priest continues Christs work of redemption on earth"

St John Vianney (1786-1859)


1 Peter 2
4 He is the living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him 5 so that you, too, may be living stones making a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer the spiritual sacrifices made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Mod note: Ok folks, can we move on please? The post in question has been dealt with.

kryptonmight

Op here.

I've contacted those exploreaway people so let's see what they come back with.

I don't know if it's just a phase but it's like some sort of urge to help people or spread God's word. I actually went to speak to a priest in my parish a couple of months ago about getting involved with things and to just discuss vocations in general.

I work in IT at the moment and for a long time it was all I wanted to do (nerd alert) . However I feel like it's becoming more of a hobby or interest than something I want to do for a living fulltime.

I guess this religious urge has been nagging at me for a while now, I think it started around April or May this year. I don't know if I'm suitable to be a priest or religious but I feel I need to do something going forward where I can help people or spread the word somehow.

I've also contacted the Legion of Mary to possibly help out those guys.

Doc Farrell

Even if you don't become a priest there's thousands of roles in thousands of Christian and non religious charities who would love you to help them. Just do these two seemingly opposing things: take your time and get stuck in. Hope you enjoy it.

seminarian

kryptonmight wrote: »

It's something I've considered recently, especially when I hear about the shortage of priests. Although I think the celibacy thing is an obstacle for me and I'm not sure I'm willing to give up on the option of getting married etc.

Have you ever considered it and if so, what made you decide to go ahead with it or to decide to do something else?

I thought I wanted to be a priest so I entered a religious order and trained for 7 years. I did a lot of pastoral work in several countries during that time. I eventually left because I didn't think it was my vocation, but without a doubt it was one of the best things I ever did. Really enjoyed my time, did a lot of traveling and helped a lot of people. I keep in contact with many.

As I was a Religious I lived a life of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience. There is an immense freedom in being free from a world so full of materialism. I didn't buy the latest fashion, or follow trends. Some people see it as restrictive and in a sense I suppose it was.. However in my life now as a married Father there is also a lot of restrictions, and less freedom.

I suppose the most important thing about being a Priest is to have Faith in Gods presence in your life, to have a relationship with Christ. Without Faith it makes no sense. I see about this thread has been trolled.. I met a lot of trolls which I wore religious habit. Been called a peodophile priest to my face once. (even though I was just a Religious brother). Ignorant trolls exist everywhere...and some are just jealous of people who display a faith they don't understand.

So you can be many things in Life.. I think to be a Priest you need to listen to Gods calling, He shows you the way, and ultimately will give you inner peace and strength to follow his call.

The easiest way to know if you have a vocation is simply to live in a community for a while. Go help the Franciscans or Dominicans or Work with Opus Dei etc... Thats what I did. I left after 7 years, but I was the better man for having at least tried to see if it was my vocation instead of regretting it.

newmug

I often thought about it. I'm a father to 3 kids now though. But I've made up my mind, if herself goes to her reward before I do, and the kids are grown up, I might have a crack at it then.

Tombo2001

martinedwards wrote: »

as a Prod, the celibacy thing isn't an issue.

I knew it was a door I had to knock on.

I went to the Bishop, and after a fair bit of discussion and checking up with my rector he recommended me to the selection committee.

a long weekend at the college in Dublin with a load of interviews with different senior church folk and at the end of it they felt that although I had a load of gifts, I wasn't being called to the ordained ministry at that time.

there is an interesting point:

do people get a Christian vocation or a catholic vocation? if celibacy is an issue, then why not become a priest through the Church of Ireland? Genuine question.

Tombo2001

SoulandForm wrote: »

Even if what you believe about God was true- in no way would it be a waste of a life. Clergy not only serve God but they serve other human beings; they provide support, advice, leadership, kindness, reproof, etc. The idea that they do basically nothing is extremely far from the truth.

I agree with you, but the corollary is that in my opinion priests sacrifice too much to do what they do. I see our local parish priest, week in week out performing duties for people he will never really get to know well; whether its weddings or baptisms or funerals or whatever......he arrived 7 years ago from a parish in Kildare ....I am in Dublin......he could be sent off to some other place in a year or two. He has no roots here, he doesn't keep in touch with people from previous parishes to any great extent.... he is in his '60s......its a lonely life, I don't envy him, in fact I feel sorry for him - he is taken for granted. Disclaimer: I don't practice any religion myself, I'm just looking at it from a human level, I've gotten to know the guy because our kids were baptised by him.

seminarian

Some links if you are interested to the OP who stated this thread.

Dominicans in Ireland are seeing a revival, there are 18 men in training.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Dominican-Vocations

Also the Franciscans have started to grow again in Ireland.

http://www.facebook.com/franciscanvocationsofm.ireland

There are also 70 seminarians in Training in Maynooth. (plus others in other orders.. Jesuits, carmelites.. etc..)

Go and live with them for a week or two, either way if you do want to become a priest there is a long discernment time involved, so don't think its a choice you need to make in a year.

What I would say, if you do it, do it with 100% of your heart or not at all, nothing worse than mediocre Priests.

kryptonmight

newmug wrote: »

I often thought about it. I'm a father to 3 kids now though. But I've made up my mind, if herself goes to her reward before I do, and the kids are grown up, I might have a crack at it then.

Have you thought about becoming a deacon newmug? You can do that while remaining married. I thought about it myself but if you are single when you join it, you have to stay that way. Seems a strange rule when they will accept married men, but not single men and let them become married later.

Benny_Cake

kryptonmight wrote: »

I thought about it myself but if you are single when you join it, you have to stay that way. Seems a strange rule when they will accept married men, but not single men and let them become married later.

Does anyone know if there is a reason behind it or is it simply a tradition of the church? Genuine question, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

seminarian

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Does anyone know if there is a reason behind it or is it simply a tradition of the church? Genuine question, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Its the same in other eastern Church's not in communion with Rome. When the apostles preached they would have chosen older men to be overseers of the faith, men who lived the faith, usually married. Young unmarried men would not have been given this position.

Married men can be priests in the Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian and eastern orthodox Church's,, however in the Catholic Church its only certain rites (not the Roman)

However the historical facts are Married men were Bishops and Priests in the early Church, but men who were not married who became Priests could not then marry. By the 3rd Century only celibate men could become bishops.

KatyMac

I'm a Prod and am a lay preacher as I'm a bit old to go the ordained route. I believe I had a 'calling' and if that makes me certifiable then bring on the strait jackets. I had an awful nagging in my head and once I went the lay preaching way the nagging stopped immediately. I put up with it for several years because I didn't want to do where I was being called to. I think from talking to others in the same position as me that this is a similar experience and if God wants us to become a priest, parson, lay preacher or whatever then He will get you there and you won't be able to resist.

Geomy

Only for the Fr Ted Festival in North Clare.

I often thought of taking a year out in a remote Christian monastery working on the land or a Buddhist monastery.

It was just for the solitude and to see what that lifestyle is like, but never thought of becoming a priest.

Ambersky

Yes I did.

Geomy

Ambersky wrote: »

Yes I did.

Were you there this year ?

I heard it's great craic :-)

Ambersky

Never had the pleasure Geomy

feargale

SoulandForm wrote: »

There are Eastern Rite Catholics in Ireland-if you cant handle celibacy maybe you should consider them?

Can one choose to be Eastern Rite or Latin Rite as one pleases? I didn't think that was permitted by Rome, that one had to follow what one was born with. No?

feargale

Does Rome allow a lay person to change rites at will?

Grab All Association

_Redzer_ wrote: »

It's crazy, that's why I never did it. What a waste of a life, you're basically doing nothing.

It's fabulous being a priest! Think of the comfort you bring to the sick and dying they love it they can't get enough of it.

katydid

KatyMac wrote: »

I'm a Prod and am a lay preacher as I'm a bit old to go the ordained route. I believe I had a 'calling' and if that makes me certifiable then bring on the strait jackets. I had an awful nagging in my head and once I went the lay preaching way the nagging stopped immediately. I put up with it for several years because I didn't want to do where I was being called to. I think from talking to others in the same position as me that this is a similar experience and if God wants us to become a priest, parson, lay preacher or whatever then He will get you there and you won't be able to resist.

You know what, Katy, that's exactly the same for me. I thought about it for years, but now that I'm a lay reader that does it for me. One of my good friends decided to go all the way, and she and others were encouraging me to think about going further, but I've found that what I'm doing now is much more fulfilling for me. I love taking services and preaching - I spend hours on my sermons - but I don't think I'd be any good at the pastoral side of the ministry. Everyone has their own gifts and we should go with our gut feeling.

katydid

feargale wrote: »

Can one choose to be Eastern Rite or Latin Rite as one pleases? I didn't think that was permitted by Rome, that one had to follow what one was born with. No?

Well, it's not really up to Rome or anyone else to tell you what kind of Christian you want to be...that's up to yourself.

feargale

katydid wrote: »

Well, it's not really up to Rome or anyone else to tell you what kind of Christian you want to be...that's up to yourself.

Dammit I know it's up to yourself. I'm just asking what Rome's view of the matter is. Is it ok to ask that?

katydid

feargale wrote: »

Dammit I know it's up to yourself. I'm just asking what Rome's view of the matter is. Is it ok to ask that?

Well, you did ask if Rome would "permit" it. Surely it goes without saying that Rome aren't going to say "off you go and join the Anglican church or Eastern Orthodox church" or whatever.

Permit is a strange word. They can't stop you but of course they wouldn't approve.

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

Can one choose to be Eastern Rite or Latin Rite as one pleases? I didn't think that was permitted by Rome, that one had to follow what one was born with. No?

There is an Irish American Eastern Rite Priest who was jailed for running guns for the Provos in the USA; I really dont think its that strict, when I was in England I met an English Eastern Rite Catholic Priest but than again I didnt ask him his life history- he was an extremely warm and pious person.

katydid

SoulandForm wrote: »

There is an Irish American Eastern Rite Priest who was jailed for running guns for the Provos in the USA; I really dont think its that strict, when I was in England I met an English Eastern Rite Catholic Priest but than again I didnt ask him his life history- he was an extremely warm and pious person.

If they are Eastern Rite, then they're not Roman Catholic. You can't be both.

SoulandForm

katydid wrote: »

If they are Eastern Rite, then they're not Roman Catholic. You can't be both.

Well they are under the Pope. I didnt say they were Roman Catholic as such.I said they were Eastern Rite Catholics.

I understand the historical reasons for the rise of power of the Roman Papacy but personally I dont think it is binding on all Christians. However if someone accepts it than that is no bar to their Salvation. Given all the evil in Protestantism in Ireland Im not going to be casting stones when living in a glass house.

feargale

katydid wrote: »

If they are Eastern Rite, then they're not Roman Catholic. You can't be both.

You seem to be confusing Eastern Rite with Eastern Orthodox.

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

Dammit I know it's up to yourself. I'm just asking what Rome's view of the matter is. Is it ok to ask that?

Feargale just talk to an Eastern Rite Roman Catholic Priest and explain what you feel- eastern Europeans can be a little stand offish at first but they are good people. I will pray for you for what that is worth.

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

You seem to be confusing Eastern Rite with Eastern Orthodox.

No its an Orthodox insult to call Eastern Rite Catholics Eastern Rite Roman Catholics- I didnt do that though.

katydid

feargale wrote: »

You seem to be confusing Eastern Rite with Eastern Orthodox.

Sorry, I wasn't thinking. I stand corrected.

feargale

SoulandForm wrote: »

Feargale just talk to an Eastern Rite Roman Catholic Priest and explain what you feel- eastern Europeans can be a little stand offish at first but they are good people. I will pray for you for what that is worth.

I'm totally confused now. Explain what I feel? What do I feel? I know Eastern Europeans are good people. I meet them every day in the supermarket or the pub, well, some days in the latter. What prayer are you going to say for me?

katydid

SoulandForm wrote: »

Well they are under the Pope. I didnt say they were Roman Catholic as such.I said they were Eastern Rite Catholics.

I understand the historical reasons for the rise of power of the Roman Papacy but personally I dont think it is binding on all Christians. However if someone accepts it than that is no bar to their Salvation. Given all the evil in Protestantism in Ireland Im not going to be casting stones when living in a glass house.

Of course the Roman papacy isn't binding on all Christians. That's been pretty much established...

What "evil in Protestantism" are you referring to?

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

I'm totally confused now. Explain what I feel? What do I feel? I know Eastern Europeans are good people. I meet them every day in the supermarket or the pub, well, some days in the latter. What prayer are you going to say for me?

I meant about being a married Priest.

Sorry I got the impression that you wanted to be a Priest.

I took you up wrong.

Sorry-forgive.

feargale

SoulandForm wrote: »

I meant about being a married Priest.
Sorry I got the impression that you wanted to be a Priest.
I took you up wrong.
Sorry-forgive.

I'm glad it's me you're talking to and not my wife. Forgiven.

SoulandForm

katydid wrote: »

Of course the Roman papacy isn't binding on all Christians. That's been pretty much established...

What "evil in Protestantism" are you referring to?

http://www.changingattitudeireland.org/

Scroll down and you will see a blasemphy in St George's in Belfast- I loved that Church. I used to make an effort to travel to it when I was home from Uni.

Than we could get into the issue of the Orange Order and Freemasonry.

feargale

SoulandForm wrote: »

http://www.changingattitudeireland.org/
Scroll down and you will a blasemphy in St George's in Belfast- I loved that Church. I used to make an effort to travel to it when I was home from Uni.
Than we could get into the issue of the Orange Order and Freemasonry.

Oh ffs. I'm not the one you should be seeking forgiveness from.

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

I'm glad it's me you're talking to and not my wife. Forgiven.

But Roman Catholics can take Communion in Eastern Rite Churches- they have a Church in Dublin. I think would be a good option for people.

feargale

Soulandform this thread began as an enquiry by someone contemplating holy orders. While I found the contributions interesting, as an ecumenical agnostic my main interest here was to make an academic enquiry re. switching rites, as it entered the discussion. You now appear determined to take the thread off topic in order to reignite the religious wars of another age. Shame. And while you're at it, you may as well complete the exercise and tell us how freemasonry and the Knights of Columbanus differ from each other.

SoulandForm

feargale wrote: »

Soulandform this thread began as an enquiry by someone contemplating holy orders. While I found the contributions interesting, as an ecumenical agnostic my main interest here was to make an academic enquiry re. switching rites, as it entered the discussion. You now appear determined to take the thread off topic in order to reignite the religious wars of another age. Shame. And while you're at it, you may as well complete the exercise and tell us how freemasonry and the Knights of Columbanus differ from each other.

Read my posts.

Im a Protestant who hates Freemasonry and the Orange Order. We do exist and there are plenty of us.

You can google why.

feargale

SoulandForm wrote: »

Feargale just talk to an Eastern Rite Roman Catholic Priest and explain what you feel- eastern Europeans can be a little stand offish at first but they are good people. I will pray for you for what that is worth.

I'm totally confused now. Explain what I feel? What do I feel? I know Eastern Europeans are good people. I meet them every day in the supermarket or the pub, well, some days in the latter. What prayer are you going to say for me?