Questions - Diocesan Priest

1. Why does the Church need priests?
2. How do I know if God is calling me to the priesthood?
3. What qualities are looked for in a priest?
4. What do I do if I think I am being called to the priesthood?
5. What is the role of parents in encouraging vocations?
6. What is the role of a parish in encouraging vocations?

1. Why does the Church need priests?

   The Eucharist is the source and summit of the life of the Church. Without the Eucharist, there is no Church. In a sacramental way, Christ is present to the Church in the person of the priest. All of the sacraments offer a personal encounter with Christ, and the priest is the one who offers the sacraments.

2. How do I know if God is calling me to the priesthood?

   Today, many people look to the future and ask: What do I want to do with my life? The proper question is: God, what do you want me to do with my life for you? To know if you are being called, you must have a prayerful relationship with God, since God is the one who calls us to a specific vocation. Often, when someone senses that God is calling them to the priesthood, there is a negative reaction. This is normal, but do not think that it means you are not meant to be a priest. Very often, it is a positive indicator!

3. What qualities are looked for in a priest?

   A desire to serve others - love for the Church - deep faith - man of prayer - leadership ability - one who relates well with people - and one who is a builder of the community.

4. What do I do if I think I am being called to the priesthood?

   Speak to people you trust and get their feedback. You may also wish to speak to your pastor or any other priest you know. Most of all, speak with the vocations director of the archdiocese, because he can answer many of your questions.

5. What is the role of parents in encouraging vocations?

   The primary role is to provide an authentic witness to the importance of faith, prayer, and service to others. This includes teaching their children that all that one is and has comes from God, and that if we truly want to be happy, we will discover how God wants us to use the gifts we have received. Making their children aware of the nature of vocation, a "calling" from God, is a crucial first step. After that, it is a matter of inviting, raising the question with their children whether God might be calling them to be a priest, sister, or brother. Indirectly, attitudes and comments regarding the Church, priests, religious women and men, either foster or weaken the image of such a life of service.

6. What is the role of a parish in encouraging vocations?

   The parish is where most people, especially young people, experience the Church, which includes worship, education, community, and service. Vocations thrive in a parish where there is active and full participation in these dimensions of Church life. In particular, it is important that Catholic education, in Catholic schools or religious education programs, clearly teach about what a vocation is (a calling from God), what types of vocations there are (marriage, priesthood, deaconate, consecrated life, and single life), and how one makes a good decision (the process of discernment). Beyond the general awareness of vocations, parents, priests and parishioners need to invite, encourage, and nurture vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

Information on this page is courtesy:
www.archindy.org/vocations/faq.html