Many people think that once a man enters the seminary, that decision is final. But that is not the case. Discernment continues as he begins preparation for the priesthood. During this time a man enters into deeper prayer to consider if this is the vocation that God is calling him to.

1. The Signs

A baptized man who is considering the priesthood should have the right motive and internal spiritual sense that God is calling him. The priesthood is an invitation of Christ. It is a gift from God. Becoming a priest is a response to this gift. Continue

2. The Steps If a man thinks that Christ is calling him, he owes it not only to himself, but also to all those whom he will serve to test this call. Discernment of a priestly vocation is done with prayer and spiritual direction from a priest. This leads a man towards the path of formal preparation in a seminary. Continue

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Christ needs priests who are mature, virile, capable of cultivating an authentic spiritual paternity. For this to happen, priests need to be honest with themselves, open with their spiritual director and trusting in divine mercy. Pope Benedict XVI   ”

3. The Life

The priesthood is a life of sacrifice and a life of service because it is the life of Christ. Yet where there is love, sacrifice is possible. In addition to administering the sacraments, a priest may be given one of a number of apostolic and charitable assignments. Continue