LOGO OF THE MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART

  RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

"The Lord has a plan for each of us; he calls each one of us by name. Our task is to learn how to listen, to perceive his call,
 to be courageous and faithful in following him and, when all is said and done, to be found trustworthy servants who have used well the gifts given us."
Pope Benedict XVI (Catholic Spirit, February 2008, "Profiles in Faith," p. 17.
 

    The following prayer comes from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), of which Father Richard is a member.  You may find it helpful as you embark on your search for answers to your questions about your future.

    Prospective Priesthood Candidates Should Have The Following Qualities and Characteristics: **
1.  Has an awareness of God's presence
2.  Has a personal relationship with God
3.  Prayer is an important and vital part of his life
4.  Is involved in his local parish or faith community
5.  Has a desire to serve others and make a difference in people's lives
6.  Is motivated by the mission of Jesus and has the ability to articulate it
7.  Is willing to sacrifice personally for the service of the Gospel and the church
8.  Is approachable
9.  Is psychologically and socially mature
10. Has shown the capacity and evidence of living a chaste celibate life
11. Has the ability to collaborate with women and men
12. Takes initiative and assumes responsibility for his actions
13. Recognizes the importance of the church and sees the church as teacher
14. Possesses the skills of self-mastery and discipline
15. Has healthy relationships with men, women, and children
16. Has common sense, good physical and emotional health
17.  Is capable of undertaking studies in philosophy and theology
18. Recognizes the need to both give and accept support from others
19. Possesses a keen sense of empathy
20. Has leadership skills
21. Regularly receives the Catholic sacraments
22. Has the ability to nurture another person's growth
23. Is open to and respectful of all people
24. Is a person of integrity
**(Special Supplement (Meet Our Seminarians) Diocese of Austin, The Catholic Church of Central Texas, October 2006, p. 8) [Adapted from Priestly Life and Vocation Summit: Fishers of Men, a production of the USCCB Bishop's Committee on Vocations and the Bishop's Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry, October 2005]

    PATH TO THE PRIESTHOOD
 
(Photographs/discussion below refer to the M.S.C. Religious Order)
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) is a Religious Congregation founded by Father Jules Chevalier in 1854 to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the United States of America, the MSCs minister in California, North Carolina and Texas.

(Comments of Pope John Paul II to priests, religious, and seminarians in Malawi, May 4, 1989): In a special way I commend to you young men the closing words of this evening's Gospel: "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (Jn 15:16). Yes, the gift of a vocation to the priesthood is not something you seek for yourselves. It has nothing to do with status or privilege as the world understands these things. Your great privilege will be to lay down your lives with Christ the eternal priest if you are truly called to this vocation. May God help each of you to discern His will so that you too may "Go out to bear fruit, fruit that will last." *

(Apostolic Letter from Pope John Paul II to the Youth of the World, International Youth Year, March 31, 1985): The Church finds Christ's "Follow Me" at the beginning of every call to service in the ministerial priesthood, which simultaneously - in the Catholic Church of the Latin rite - is linked to the conscious and free choice of celibacy. . . If such a call comes into your heart, do not silence it! Let it develop into the maturity of a vocation. Respond to it through prayer and fidelity to the commandments! For "the harvest is plentiful" and there is an enormous need for many to be reached by Christ's call, "Follow me." There is an enormous need for priests according to the heart of God - and the Church in the world of today has an enormous need of the witness of a life given without reserve to God: the witness of that nuptial love of Christ himself which, in a particular way, will make the Kingdom of God present among people and bring it near to the world.*
 

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS *
 

I.    What is a priest?
       A priest is a Christian, a member of the Church, called by God to proclaim the "Good News" of salvation to the world and to lead God's people in worship, especially in making present the saving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross in the Eucharist. He is also privileged to bring Christ to people in the Sacraments: he gives the life of Christ to people in Baptism; he forgives their sins in Reconciliation; he anoints the sick; he officiates at weddings. In general, the priest brings Jesus Christ to people in their spiritual needs.

II.    What exactly is a "vocation?"
        A vocation is a call from God to do something specifically for God and for His kingdom. The primary vocation of every person is to be holy! It is the divine calling to love and serve God, to obey his commandments, and to cooperate with Christ in the work of redemption by loving and serving others. Everyone is called to live the vocation of holiness, but everyone lives it in a special and unique way according to the plan of God.

III.    What in particular are some of the vocations that I might be called to follow?
          Many people are called to the vocation of marriage, while others may be called to the vocation of the priesthood, to the religious life as a sister or brother, or to the diaconate. Equally, Christ calls some to the commitment of single life. Remember: It is normal to desire marriage and family. Just because you have this desire does not exclude the possibility that you have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

IV.    How do I know what God is calling me to do?
         You must pray every single day, asking God to reveal His plan for you. Do not ask yourself, "What do I want to do with my life?" This is the wrong question! Rather, you should be thinking and asking: "Jesus, what do You want me to do?' And listen for the answer! Listen with your heart, not just your head! The Church must also be involved in the discernment process. Your bishop is the one who will ultimately decide who is and who is not called to be a diocesan priest. He is assisted in this by the vocations office and the seminary staff.

V.    Can I be happy in my life if I don't follow God's plan for me?
        If you do not follow the vocation for which God made you, you can attain a certain degree of happiness in this world and still attain salvation (go to heaven). However, you can never be as happy as you might have been, had you followed your proper vocation. This is why it is so important that you discern correctly. The discernment of your vocation is likely to be the most important decision you will make in your entire life! Of course, there are trials and tribulations in every vocation. To become a priest does not take away all suffering. But there is great joy in laying down one's life for Jesus!

VI.    Are most priests happy in their vocations, in their lives and in their work for Christ?
         Most priests are extremely happy in their vocations! The life of a priest is a very rewarding life, both in this world and in the next. The media often gives an incorrect impression of priests; that they are largely unhappy, frustrated and angry. This is simply not true.

VII.   But why can't priests get married? That must be difficult.
          Catholic priests do not get married so as to dedicate themselves completely to Jesus and to His people. The sacrifice of celibacy is a sign to the world that only Jesus can give us the happiness that we all crave. Giving up something as important as marriage and family is a powerful sign to the world that Jesus Christ is real! He is worth living for and sacrificing for. No, it's not easy, but neither is marriage. The fact is, every vocation requires great personal sacrifice. And there is great joy in sacrifice when it is done for Jesus and for others!

VIII. Will priests ever be allowed to get married?
         Some say more men would choose the priesthood, but the question is, "Would this be what is best for the Church?" As said above, celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom is a powerful sign that Jesus is real, and that He is worth living for sacrificing for, and dying for! Besides, in the world as a whole, vocations to the priesthood and religious life have dramatically increased in the last thirty years. In Africa they increased by 394%; in S.E. Asia by 152%; in Central America by 165%; and in South America by 253%! It is only in the U.S. and Western Europe that there has been a decline. Perhaps the problem is not celibacy, but other larger cultural issues and values.

IX.   Will I be lonely if I become a priest?
        Loneliness is a part of every vocation, at one time or another. It is part of the human condition. Married people get lonely at times, even though their spouses and children surround them. Priests are always surrounded by people. This is one of the joys of being a priest. We are involved with people at the most profound moments of their lives. Loneliness can be a part of the life of a priest too, but when we do experience loneliness, Jesus can fill that void, as He does for people in every vocation.

X.    Do priests get paid?
        Priests do not get paid in the sense that people in the business world are paid. Because a priest does not have a family and because he lives a simple life, he does not need a lot of money. However, diocesan priests receive a salary, which enables them to buy their necessities, to buy and maintain a car, to take a vacation, and to do  normal recreational activities. Also, priests are given free room and board b the church for which they work, so their expenses are minimal.

XI.   Can priests do anything they want for recreation and fun?
        A priest can do anything he wants for recreation, as long as it is consistent with the Christian life. Many priests play golf, basketball, softball, and engage in other sports. Others enjoy movies, plays, and reading. Some like to watch professional ice hockey, snorkel, fish, travel, and every other imaginable entertainment.

XII.  If I am attracted to the priesthood and priestly life, does that mean God is calling me to be a priest?
        Possible, but not necessarily. A man must pray a great deal, listen with both heart and soul to know what God wants him to do. If you feel some attraction at this point, just continue to pray, go to Mass, and live a Christian life. If you are living a Christian life, Jesus will let you know when the time comes. Also, go talk with your parish priest or with the vocation director. Try to come to diocesan-sponsored retreats and discernment nights. The vocation director can help you determine if in fact God is calling you to the priesthood.

XIII. I'm not all that "holy." Can I still be a priest if I'm not very holy?
         Holiness (to be like Jesus) is a lifetime endeavor for every person in every vocation. Don't worry if you don't see yourself as very holy right now. God will form you slowly, day by day and week by week, so that you will be ready to be His instrument when the time comes. But for now, use the sacrament of Penance at least once a month. Repent of your sins, receive the sacraments, and pray every day. You will be surprised at how Christ-like you can become!

XIV. How does someone become a priest?
         After being accepted as a candidate by a diocese, a man who wants to become a priest will go to the seminary. In the seminary, he will receive the preparation, both spiritual and academic for priesthood. If he enters right after graduating high school, he'll work towards an undergraduate degree in philosophy before continuing in the graduate program in theology. Seminary training and discernment ranges from six to nine years depending on one's educational background, before a man is ordained a priest. But do not let this discourage you. God always gives us the grace to do wheat He asks us to do.

XV.  Is all this education necessary?
        It is very important for a priest both to have a well-balanced education as well as a deep grasp of theology and the spiritual life. Priests must be at least as well educated as the people they serve; otherwise, they will not be respected when they speak of spiritual things. Every soul is precious to God and, therefore, to the priest. A priest is called to help the most educated as well as the least educated to find and follow Jesus.

XVI. What are the qualities that the Church looks for in a candidate for the Priesthood?
         A good candidate is a practicing, believing Catholic. He attends Mass at least weekly, prays every day, obeys the commandments, and tries to serve others. He must be mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. He must be open to the will of God and willing to learn and grow. Do you have these qualities?

XVII. If I decide to go to the seminary to "give it a try," am I committed for life?
          No, you are not. Most vocation directors agree that the only way to really know that  you have a vocation to the priesthood is to go to the seminary and try. It will become more and more clear to you once you are in an environment where everyone is also discerning the priesthood. There is no obligation to stay in the seminary if you discover that the priesthood is not for you. Some people go to the seminary and eventually become priests while others discover different ways of serving the Lord.

XVIII. Is the daily life of a priest interesting?
            There is never a dull moment for those in the priesthood. It is a great challenge, but it is also extremely rewarding. When each day comes to a close, a priest can say, Lord, today I spent myself for You." What a wonderful thought with which to end one's day!

*
SOURCE: "Catholic Priesthood: FAQ," Office of Vocations, Diocese of Austin, P.O. Box 13327, Austin, TX 78711  [Tel: (512) 476-4888]  [Website: http://www.austindiocese.org ]
(Funded through the Catholic Services Appeal)

     M.S.C. Priests are working in many countries as shown on the map below.  (Father Richard served in Ireland, Great Britain and South Africa before being assigned to the United States.)

For information on Vocations for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Austin, contact Fr. Mike Sis, Vocation Director at the following address:  1600 N. Congress, P.O. Box 13327, Austin, TX 78711.  [Tel: (512)697-2005; Cell Phone: (512)496-7960; Fax: (512)469-9537; E-mail: fr-mike-sis@austindiocese.org .

Other sources of information:

Pope John Paul II Cultural Center  *
3900 Harewood Road, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1555

Secretariat For Vocations
    and Priestly Formation
3211 Fourth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1194

Page Updated 28 January 2007