Discernment FAQ

How do I know if I am called?

The vast majority of people take several years to know God’s call. It would be a mistake to think that we need to know quickly or that one needs to be assured of being called to the priesthood before entering the seminary. You know that you are being called by time, prayer and action. It is only by spending time developing some of the habits needed for the priesthood that one discovers if one is called. In order to know if you are called to the priesthood you need to adopt some of the habits of a priest and see how they fit. If you enjoy the habits then it is a helpful sign to show that you are acting with grace to a potential call. If you do not enjoy the habits and they are burdensome, then it is a helpful sign that maybe you have not received the grace for this call.

I want to take the first step. What would that be?

Well, certainly pray about it. But as a Church, don't forget, we're also here for each other. So, you can contact Fr. Jeff Coning or call the Vocations Office of the Columbus Diocese. It is his job to help someone just like you. So you might as well take advantage of his help and information the Church has to offer. Remember, especially if you are a little afraid, it's ok. The Diocese of Columbus is only interested in ordaining guys to the priesthood who are truly being called by God. So it is in everyone's best interest to help a guy like you truly discover what it is God is calling you to do with your life. So give Fr. Jeff a call or drop him an e-mail.

When is it time to enter seminary?

It is better to enter the seminary sooner rather than later in the discernment process. Since the seminary specializes in discernment and formation, getting into the seminary is going to best help you arrive at an answer. Discernment requires prayer and action; the seminary is designed to put both of those in gear. Too often, we remain stuck in thought and fear; motion is needed. Of course, you must have graduated high school and you can only enter into the seminary in the fall. Ultimately this answer needs to be dealt with through a small group of advisors, such as parents, pastors, vocation director and trusted friends.

I pray to God for direction but don’t seem to get help. What’s up?

God doesn’t usually use thunder and lightning when answering prayers. The Lord answers in gentle, quiet ways, so first, pray for the love of God to be in your heart. Pray for the grace of holiness. Invoke the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Be patient.

What if I don’t feel worthy?

Every Priest struggles with the awareness of his own sinfulness, especially when considering the awesomeness of saying the words of consecration during Holy Mass or giving absolution. Don’t worry. None of us is worthy of this. It is the Lord who makes us worthy. Humility is an important quality, so if He wants you to do this, if He is calling you, He will give you abundant graces to fulfill the call.

How often does a priest have to pray?

Everyone should have a bit of daily prayer, though a priest has a great responsibility in his daily prayer. He needs to be praying himself because people will be coming to him to help in their daily life with God. He also needs to be praying for his parish; these are the people that he is morally responsible for in leading them to God. The Church helps here its requirements. The priest has the sacraments. The priest will be saying Mass on a daily basis and visiting the homebound and sick. He is also required to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, which consists of the office of readings, morning, daytime, evening and night prayer. So praying is a large part of the day. The Church has a number of prayers that it requires of the priest along with their own daily time for prayer.

Is prayer always easy for you?

It really is not that prayer is easy. One must develop a habit of prayer so that it takes place. We are very good about scheduling our classes, work and fun in our calendar, but we are careless in not scheduling time for God. Since God is not found on our calendars, we can find ourselves struggling and frustrated by the lack of our time with God. Praying is easy. I am frustrated sometimes by my inability to enter into prayer or by the fact that God does not respond as quickly as I would like Him to.