Could It Be Me?
Call to
Priesthood
Jesus still calls
men to be priests just as He called the apostles. This
vocation is a call to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ
so that his unique saving mission may continue through
pastoral service, proclamation of the Word and a celebration
of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament
of Reconciliation.
Signs of a Vocation
to the Priesthood
1.
Sense
of a spiritual call by God to serve His
people as a priest.
This spiritual call is experienced by a
recurring thought; a growing attraction to the priesthood; a
growing sense that one would find fulfillment by serving God
as a priest.
2.
Love
of God that manifests
itself in a desire to give one's life in service to God's
people.
3.
Love
of the Church and her
Traditions and a desire to celebrate the sacraments for God's
people.
4.
Love
of God's word and a desire to
proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to God's people.
5.
Desire
to serve the people of
God as a servant-leader; after the example of Jesus, "who came
not to be served but to serve."
6.
A
heart that can listen to others and a
desire to be the compassionate, healing presence of Jesus to
God's people.
7. Desire
to deepen one's relationship with God through
daily prayer. Liturgical, communal and private prayer sustain
the priest to grow in his love and dedication to Jesus Christ.
8. Generosity
with one's time, talents and gifts. Priests are
called to generously give of themselves for the good of the
Church. The Priest is called to be a "man for
others."
Questions to Ask
Yourself:
-
Have I
experienced God's love in my life?
-
Do I actively
practice my Catholic faith and participate in my parish?
-
Does the Gospel
message excite and challenge me?
-
Am I searching
for a way to share my gifts with others?
-
Do I desire a
deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
-
Am I willing to
offer my life for the mission of Jesus Christ and his
Church?
-
Do I like
working with people and do I get along with men and
women
from all walks
of life?
-
Do I want to
make a positive difference in the lives of others?
Text from the Archdiocese
of Boston Vocation Office
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