Do I have a Vocation?
When we think of Vocations in a church, we usually think of Priests, Deacons and Bishops. However, the married life or the dedicated single life are also vocations if we give them to God. In the PNCC, married life and religious life are not exclusive!
If you believe you are called to be a Deacon or Priest, consider these statements:
- I am in love with Jesus. I have a personal relationship with Jesus.
- The Lord's teachings and Truth are a real part of my everyday life.
- I have zeal for the Faith. I love my Catholic faith and I am willing to devote myself to bringing it to others.
- I am open to the will of God in my life. I believe that God has a plan for me.
- I truly want to discover and follow God’s plan for my life.
- My own desires and secondary to God's desires for me.
- I feel/felt called to the priesthood, but not the celibate priesthood. I could not understand or accept the idea of marriage being an impediment to the priesthood or priesthood being an impediment to marriage.
- I feel the Holy Spirit calling me to live out my Baptismal promises.
- I feel called to proclaim the Gospel and build God's Kingdom.
- Prayer is part of my everyday life. Sometimes I find myself praying, talking to Jesus, and was not even aware that I was doing so.
- I read the Bible and take time for personal prayer.
- I have a desire to be a priest or deacon. I see the priesthood or diaconate as a fulfilling life even though I know it involves personal sacrifice.
- I can imagine myself as a priest or deacon.
- I am a believing, practicing member of the PNCC.
- I believe in the Truths taught by the Church.
- I go to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days.
- I have discussed the ministry with my family and they support my desire to pursue the active ministry as a priest or deacon.
- I feel love and compassion for others.
- I want what is best for every person: to love Jesus, to live a holy life, and to go to heaven.
- I believe in a life of service and actively serve others in my parish and community.
- I know what is right and wrong according to the teaching of Jesus and his Church.
- I have developed a well formed conscience and follow it in my daily life.
- People I know would say that I am living a virtuous Christian life.
- I have basic human goodness. I am generous and unselfish. I am kind and gentle with others.
- I am able to make friends easily, and I enjoy being with people.
- I have a good sense of humor. I am able to laugh at myself and with others.
- I am physically, emotionally, and psychologically stable. I have the stability necessary to care for others.
- I have self-control. I am courteous, punctual, and composed. I can control my anger. I have a healthy amount of personal discipline.
- I fulfill my personal responsibilities and duties towards myself, others, my country, and God.
- I have stability in my lifestyle and in my relationships or marriage.
- I have a good interpersonal, scholastic, and employment history.
- I feel comfortable with myself and I am successful in my endeavors.
- I have a healthy psycho-sexual orientation. I have a normal sexual attraction for adult females and this attraction is under the control of my will. I do not have any sexual addictions or aberrant sexual behaviors.
- I am capable of college level study and perform well in school.
- I take good care of myself. I maintain a neat appearance and proper hygiene.
- I have good manners. I communicate clearly and logically. I develop well formed and thought out ideas and can convey them to others.
- I can accept failure. I do not quit when things get tough. My self-esteem remains healthy even when projects and endeavors do not succeed.
- Others have told me that I would make a good priest or deacon. People in my life (priests, parishioners, family members) have suggested that I should think about the priesthood. Things keep happening that make me think I should become a priest.
If these describe you, click on the yellow button on the right and contact Fr. John Cramer for more information.
