• What is a vocation?
  • In the simplest terms, “vocation” means a “call.” So, in general terms your vocation is what God calls you to do with your life.  Everybody is called by God to know, love and serve him. The difference is how each person does this. Thus, a vocation is God’s calling in your life as to the particular way in which you are to live out the life of charity and love.  That is, it is the state in life (married, priest/ religious, or single) in which you will be able to best love God and neighbour.  This is also where you will find your greatest joy.   

• Can God still call me to be a priest despite my many sins?  My feelings of unworthiness?
  • Yes God can still call you despite your many sins.  Remember, God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.  Take great consolation in the fact that our first Pope, Peter, was the same man who denied Christ three times.  Do not let your sins be a stumbling block in your discernment.  Do not doubt the power of God who can work through our brokenness.  Do not take on a false humility, thinking that you are worse than all of the other people in the world, and therefore beyond the mercy of God.  You will feel unworthy because you ARE.  No one is worthy of the priesthood, in the same way that no one is worthy of the immense love of God.  Nonetheless, He offers it to us.  This fact should stir up in our hearts a deeper love of God.  It is good for us to acknowledge our unworthiness, but, again, do not let this be a stumbling block.  If God is calling you, He will work through you in a truly awesome way, if only you let Him.

• Is there someone objective that I could talk to if I feel pulled in two different directions?
  • In the process of discernment it is important to look for an external voice to help you to properly seek the Lord’s will in your life.  In fact, even if you don’t feel pulled in two directions, it is important for you to have that objective voice.  This person is what we call a spiritual director.  A spiritual director is someone who is usually a priest (so that he can hear your confession) although a spiritual director does not necessarily need to be a priest.  It is important that you have a director whom you can be completely open and transparent with so that they can truly guide you in your journey.  They are there as a kind of spiritual guide who will keep you accountable, and also provide advice to help you to grow in the spiritual life and to discern God’s call in your life.  It is highly recommended for anyone who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood/ religious life to have a spiritual director.
    
    
• Is it an act of pride if I think that I have a calling to priesthood/ religious life?
  • Usually considering a call to the priesthood or religious life is not a prideful act – however, it can be in some cases.  The only way that you can tell if your inclination or desire for the priesthood or religious life is an act of pride, is by examining your conscience.  This is because pride is in an attitude and a disposition of your soul.

However, it should be noted that determining if this thought is proud is only one step in the journey of discernment.  The most important step is to see if your desire matches up with God’s plan for you.  In fact, your inclination towards the priesthood/ religious life may be a prideful thought, and yet God might still be calling you. In this case, you would simply be desiring the right thing, but for the wrong reason.  On the other hand, it is possible that God really is calling a person who is not considering that call out of false humility (i.e. ‘I am not worthy of the priesthood’). Of course what we all want to do is to do the right thing for the right reason.

How do we do this?  We must begin by remembering that everything that God has given to us, He has given for a purpose.  This purpose is a truly beautiful purpose – to love God and neighbour, and ultimately, to be united with God.  This is what vocation is – the particular way in which God is calling you to live the life of love and charity.  Thus, in order to answer a vocation properly you have to put God and His will at the very center of your heart and your desires.  Only by truly desiring God’s will in our lives will our discernment be true, and only then will we find true joy. 
Lastly, if you feel that you are being proud in your discernment, it is good to remember that priesthood and religious life are lives of service.  Thus, if you think that you desire the ‘glory’ of priesthood, look at the priesthood of Christ – His was a life of service, work, persecution, betrayal and death.  It was only after He died that He was able to rise again.  Thus, it is good for you to ask yourself, “Am I willing to follow Him under those conditions?”  Jesus promised those who follow Him not a life of glory and fame, but of persecution and suffering.  Are you willing to take up your cross and follow Him?

 

• Can you disagree with some of the Church’s teachings and still have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life?
  • In order to answer this question, we must first look at what is at the very heart of being a Catholic – what defines us as His Church.  A Catholic is someone who has been given the gift of faith, and takes care of that gift by being docile to the Holy Spirit, striving to understand its content through prayer, reading and study, but always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church.  This second part is what is essential to answering this question.  We cannot become vigilantes in our search for truth; we must always rely on the help of God. 

The Catholic faith teaches us that Christ established His Church when He said to Peter “That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church” (Mtt 16:18).  But Christ did not only establish His Church, He also promised that He would send His Spirit to guide His Church.  Thus, the Holy Spirit guides the Church such that She does not err in matters of faith and morals.  We who are Catholic have fallen in love with Christ and His Church, and we believe what She teaches, not necessarily because we understand it in an intellectual sense, but because we know, love and trust the one who is speaking the truth – namely Christ.  To put it another way, we as individuals can make mistakes, but the Church never will in its official, defined teachings. So when we have a truth such as Mary being the Immaculate Conception (sinless), or the infallibility of the Pope, etc... that the Church explicitly teaches, we are not really Catholics if we reject it.

That is not to say that we are not allowed to have questions about the truths that the Church teaches!  If we do not understand it and have questions, that is another matter. In that case we should inquire and study so as to find the answer.  It is often the case that people who reject certain teachings (dogmas) of the Church either do not understand them as the Church does.  For example, thinking that infallibility means that the Pope never makes a mistake, or that Mary's Immaculate Conception makes her equal to or above Christ.  Thus, it is important for us to seek what the Church truly means in Her teachings.  One good resource for such inquiry is the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  More importantly, we must pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Ultimately, you must decide if this is simply a teaching which you have some questions about or do not understand, or if it is something which you absolutely do not accept as being true.  Either way, seek the mind of the Church.  We much always be willing to humble ourselves and accept that we might not always know what is best.  A good attitude to approach this inquiry with is the following, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24).
Thus you may be called to be a priest or religious, even if you have some disagreement with church teaching, but you must first clear up that disagreement before responding to the Lord’s call.  To serve as a priest or religious is to espouse yourself to the Church and all that She stands for – in order to do this authentically, we must be willing to acknowledge, out of love and trust, the validity of all of the Church’s teachings on faith and morals.

 

What should be the motives for discerning a vocation?
A motive for entering the seminary or a religious order would be considered “valid” if it is supernatural in origin.  In other words, any vocation, whether it is to marriage, priesthood, or religious life, should be based on a motivation to get oneself and others into heaven.  If you’re a married person, you’re responsible for the salvation of your spouse and children.  If you’re a priest/religious, you’re responsible for the salvation of your spiritual children.  Even contemplatives who live simple lives offer their prayers and works for the good of the Church and her members. 

A person may have certain qualities or gifts that indicate a possible vocation to the priesthood/religious life, but in the end each vocation is a calling from God.  Some might consider the shortage of priests to be a valid reason for discerning a vocation.  But if God is not calling a person, then persistence in becoming a priest/religious can actually do more harm than good.

 

How can you be happy with a vocation since it seems like you never have time to relax or have fun?
It’s usually mandatory for members of religious communities to take some time off during the day to relax and recreate.  Even the diocesan priest, as demanding as his schedule may be, is expected to be balanced enough so that he has sufficient time for leisure activities.

As individuals mature, their perception of recreation often changes.  They may discover that it might not be practical to enjoy the activities they once did as a youth.  As a result, they may develop new tastes and find new ways to enjoy themselves.  For example, a young girl may not like the sport of hockey and would choose not to attend a game.  But say, one day she has a family and her children decide to pick up the sport.  Now, she may not want to miss any of her kids’ games!

On the surface, it may seem hard to understand how any vocation that requires much time and energy can be so fulfilling.  But happiness in a vocation is not measured by the amount of down time it allows.  Rather, a person is only truly happy when they are giving themselves completely out of love for others.  Priests, nuns, and married couples are all expected to sacrifice some of the comforts of their youth in order to better serve others, and to take on the responsibilities of a mature adult.  

 

Can I be happy in my life if I do not follow God’s plan for me? OR Will I be happy if I happen to choose the wrong vocation?
One can still experience a certain degree of happiness and get to heaven if he/she does not choose the specific vocation God calls them to.  However, that person will not be as happy as they could have been, had they embraced their true call.  Having said this, God doesn’t want you to approach your vocation like you’re trying to hit a bulls-eye on a windy day.  If you are staying prayerful, and honestly seeking to do only what God wants, you can be sure that He will lead you the vocation that will bring you the most happiness. 

Is it normal to experience fear when considering a vocation?
As a person continues their discernment process, it is normal that he/she will experience a wide variety of emotions.  One day, the thought of the priesthood or religious life may incite enthusiasm and joy.  The next day it may cause fear and anxiety.  It is important to understand that God does not use fear, pressure, or confusion to lead us towards a certain vocation.  This is a tactic of the devil.  In fact, God is constantly telling us that we must not be afraid. 

It is often when we are busy, burdened, or focused inwards that we begin to feel fear or anxiety at the thought of the priesthood or religious life.  A good way of discerning God’s call is to consider a particular vocation and evaluate the emotions that accompany it.  If you experience peace and joy while considering a call to the priesthood, there’s a good chance that God is calling you to be more active in discerning this vocation.  The important thing is to find time to be alone with Christ so that His voice becomes clearer and your mind is not bothered by the busyness of life.  The guidance of a spiritual director is also very useful and necessary when discerning the feelings that accompany your discernment. 

 

What if I am struggling between becoming a religious or diocesan priest?
One must first realize that both vocations are good and necessary for the Church.  It is important to note that a vocation is not an “afterthought”.  God has had plans for us since our creation.  So when we discover this vocation, whether it is the diocesan priesthood or religious life, things should tend to “click” or fall into place. 

However, it isn’t enough that we simply use our human likes and desires to gauge our vocation.  We must also ask the Lord where we will best exercise the gift of charity.  In other words, our true vocation will be that which allows us to completely give of ourselves out of love for others.  For example, if a person feels that he/she can best serve God by working with youth and they feel drawn to the stability of a community, then they might want to explore a religious order like the Salesians.  If a person has a desire to serve the local community and be a “father to everyone” then he might want to discern the diocesan priesthood.  There are obviously more things to take into account when trying to find the right “fit”, and this is why it is so important to speak with a spiritual director.  Christ knows how daunting it can be to walk the spiritual journey alone, and so He desires that we seek out different ways He offers to help us.   

  

When is the right time to discern a vocation to the priesthood?
Discernment means that we are in the process of asking God what He wants of us.  This is a good question to ask at anytime, even if you know it’s not possible to take a step towards formally discerning a vocation right away.  For example, it would be appropriate for single, non-committed university student to ask if he is called to the priesthood, even if he has a couple of years left in his program.  Even if a person is in the early stages of a relationship, it shouldn’t be problematic if he/she remained open to the possibility of discovering they have vocation to the priesthood/religious life.  However, it would be unwise to begin formally discerning a vocation to the priesthood/religious life, while remaining in a relationship.  Both situations are processes of discernment and without a sense of commitment towards either one, it will be difficult to find out what the Lord is asking of you.  Perhaps the one prerequisite for beginning any discernment process is to be honest and open to what the Lord is calling you to do. 

 

How much does personality determine a vocation?
Certain personalities do not immediately determine whether or not a person is called to a specific vocation.  For example, a common misconception is that reserved people are not suited for community life.  The fact is, most reserved but normal people have the ability to adapt and acquire new skills if they are presented with new circumstances. 

Ingrained and structural personality traits can be helpful tools when considering a certain vocation.  For example, an outgoing person who is well organized and structured in his daily life may decide these traits would suit him as diocesan priest.  A reserved and contemplative person might feel more drawn to a contemplative community.  However, it is important to note that personalities do not immediately determine whether or not a person is called to a specific vocation.  God works with whatever traits He has given you in order to be effective in your respective vocation.  It is also important to realize that some personality traits can be negative or immature and must be developed before considering any vocation.  It is always a good idea to talk with your spiritual director when considering factors such as temperament. 

 

Am I in denial if I choose to get married?
The reality is that most Christians are called to marriage.  Therefore, it is not considered denial if a person chooses to embrace the call from God to be married.  However, if one feels that God is calling him to the priesthood, but chooses instead to get married, then in a very real sense he would be not be doing what the Lord truly desires of him.  This is why the process of discernment is so necessary.  The best thing for a person to do would be to make use of a spiritual director in order to properly discern God’s call.    

 

I love kids and would like to have my own family; does this mean that I’m not called to be a priest?
A strong desire for human love and for one’s own family are natural desires of the human heart and they do not automatically determine one’s vocation.  Neither does having the qualities of a good husband and father disqualify someone from a celibate vocation.  In fact, it is important that a priest has these qualities because he assumes the roles of spouse of the Church, and father to all of God’s children.

 

Can I be a priest/religious if I am not in good health?
There are certain medical conditions that might be impediments to the priesthood, and you would need to speak with a spiritual director or the vocation director to find out specific conditions.  However, there are many physical limitations that would not be considered obstacles to the priesthood/religious life, such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, being overweight, etc.  
In any case, it is one’s own responsibility to maintain his/her health.  This means getting enough rest, exercise, and eating a healthy diet.  A healthy priest/sister is more efficient at living out the demands of his/her vocation. 

 

• Should every Catholic man discern if God is calling him to the priesthood?
  • The short answer is yes.  Venerable John Paul II said as much – every Catholic man should discern if God is calling him to the priesthood, in the same way that every Catholic person, should truly seek God’s will in their lives.  This means being open to any possibility.  Thus, every Catholic man should consider if God is calling him to the priesthood.  This does not mean that God is calling every Catholic man to the priesthood.  It simply means that approaching the Lord’s will in our lives with a truly open heart necessarily includes being open to every possibility, including priesthood.
    
    
• How can you be sure that God is calling you to be a priest?
  • The simple answer is that you cannot be sure, at least not until the moment of your ordination.  Following God’s call requires a great deal of trust, of “putting out into the deep” and traversing territory that we may not be familiar with.  Put your trust in the Lord, and He will not lead you astray.  It is hard for us who are so used to knowing all the variables of a situation, and being completely in control, to truly let go and let God do His will in our lives.  This requires a great trust in the Lord, and also a great deal of humility – recognizing that it is God and not us who knows what is best for our lives.

 

• If a lot of my friends/ family/ fellow parishioners are telling me that they think that they think I am called to be a priest, and I am feeling pressured by them, what should I do?
  • The first thing to remember is that a vocation is God’s calling in your life, and thus your vocation will come from Him.  However, as many of us do not have God speaking directly to us in a physical way, we have to acknowledge that God’s voice comes to us through those around us who are obedient to His will.  This is called external discernment, when those around us let us know that they think that we might make a good priest/ religious.  It is an external sign to you that perhaps God is calling you, and it would therefore be prudent to consider this vocation.  However, this does not mean that God is definitely calling you to serve Him at His altar.  This is only external discernment – you still need to undergo internal discernment.  Internal discernment is what a man or woman experiences as they undergo formation: it is the interior, prayerful considering of the Lord’s will in our life.  This is where the man or woman journeys with the Lord and truly seeks to do His will.  Remember, as long as you are open, He will not lead you astray.  Thus, you should not feel pressured by your peers – see it rather as an invitation to consider the Lord’s call in your life.  Ultimately, you should desire with all your heart to do what He is calling you to do.  Always remember that it is only there that you will only find your greatest joy.
    
    
• What do I do if I feel like I should become a priest in order to alleviate the shortage of priests in the Church?
  • This is certainly a heroic feeling to have – however, it is not the right reason to become a priest.  On the other hand, the very fact that you would consider the priesthood due to the shortage demonstrates your willingness and openness to the possibility of being called, and also the sacrificial nature of your character, which matches up with the disposition of the priest.  It is probably a good idea for you to consider God’s call in your life, and to see if this is where God is calling you.  Remember though, a vocation is where God is calling us, not where we think we need to go in order to help out.  That is not to say that wanting to help out is bad, but rather, that the overarching reason for us to want to help should be the Love of Christ, and the desire for His will to be done with us.  Another important thing to note, is that God is always guiding His church.  One seminary professor is famous for saying, “Gentlemen, the Church has one saviour, and it is not you (it is Jesus).”  This is to indicate that it is not so much the Church who needs us, but we who need the Church.  In the same way, it is not so much God who needs us to heed His calling, but we who need to heed His calling.  Remember, it is the Love of Christ that urges us on.

 

How smart does one need to be to become a priest? 
Typically, a man studying for the priesthood should be able to handle university-level courses.  However, anyone with reasonable maturity could be admitted into the seminary.  Even young high school graduates in their teens have shown the capability to undergo seminary formation. 

Studies are an essential part of any formation, but it’s important to realize that they are only a means to an end.  Unless a person is called to do further studies, they should not be the goal for which a man becomes a priest or a woman becomes a religious sister.  If you feel God is calling you to discern the priesthood or religious life, don’t let the studies scare you!  He will provide you with the means necessary to accomplish His will. 

 

If there are so many other ways to serve outside the priesthood, why should I be a priest?
It should be no one’s duty to convince another person to discern the priesthood.  Like marriage, and consecrated life, priesthood is a vocation, a calling from God.  It is true that there are many ways that we can serve outside of the priesthood.  God does not reserve sanctity for only those who are priests and religious.  However, it is only through the priesthood that Christ becomes truly present among us.  Since the priesthood is a sacrament instituted by Christ, only a priest, who is called to act in the person of Christ, can sacramentally change bread and wine into Christ’s own body and blood.  Only he can absolve sins in the name of Jesus.   On a larger scale, priests, especially diocesan priests, have the ability to be a shepherd for the flock, that is, all of God’s people and guardian of His Church.  Not every Catholic is called to do this.  Most men are called to be shepherds of their own families, that is, their own domestic church

 

I’m a big sinner and feel so unworthy to become a priest.  How could I ever become one?
No one is worthy to be called a priest.  Yet, God often uses sinners to do His greatest work. 
For example, St. Peter denied his friendship with Jesus, and yet he was chosen to be the first Pope.  Jesus Himself said that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners.  If you feel that you have committed sins too serious to be forgiven, trust in the infinite mercy of Jesus and strive to live out your call to holiness.   

 

How do I know if God is calling me to the priesthood?
The precise way in which one hears the call to the priesthood or religious life can vary greatly, and so it is important that one speak to a spiritual director to better hear the voice of God.  However, here are a few common experiences of many individuals who are open to consecrating their life totally for the Lord: a desire to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ; a burning love for Jesus in the Eucharist; a strong desire to spend time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament a longing to be at Mass and experiencing a sense of peace while being there; a sense of joy and peace when considering the priesthood in quiet moments of prayer and reflection.  
Now, these traits in and of themselves are usually not concrete signs that one is called to the priesthood or religious life, but they undoubtedly make a great foundation for anyone who considering any type of vocation. 

 

Can I be a priest/religious if I’ve been sexually intimate in the past?
If the sexual intimacy has resulted in the conception and bearing of children then the couple is called to take on the responsibilities of those who are called to the marriage vocation.  Specifically, this means that they have an obligation to raise their children together.  But in general, sexual intimacy is usually not an impediment to priesthood or religious life.  However, someone who has had illicit sex must now be striving to embrace a life of chastity.  Depending on the norms of the particular community a person wants to join, he/she may be asked to wait a certain amount of time before entering so that he is able to live as detached from sexual sin as possible. 

 

What reading materials should one consult if he or she is considering the priesthood/religious life?
One should certainly start with the Gospels.  As all vocations are centred around the one who is calling us – Christ, it is important to come to know Him and His voice.  The Gospels have many events and parables that can be useful for reflection.  The rest of the bible is also very good for reflection, with the callings of Moses and Samuel being good examples of the ways of God.  If you know how to do lectio divina, consider perhaps developing it into a regular habit. 
Other books that come to mind include such spiritual classics as Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, or the autobiographies from saints such as St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross or St. Therese of Lisieux.  There are many great books out there on discernment as well, but some may cater more to a specific type of vocation (e.g. diocesan priesthood or contemplative life).  The vocations office also has booklets available for those who are discerning the diocesan priesthood.  A spiritual director may have the best idea of what best suits your current level of spirituality.

 

Do sins, especially in the area of chastity, affect the discernment process?
As Christians, we are all asked to live chaste lifestyles appropriate to our state in life.  It is a regrettable fact that many have succumbed to temptations in this area, given our increasingly hedonistic society.  Sins committed in this area, however, should not deter one from actively seeking out his or her true vocation.  Recall that many saints, such as St. Augustine, did not have a perfect record in this area.  By cooperating with the grace of God, anyone can move past these sins and slowly rebuild their virtue of chastity.  It is important to be completely honest with your spiritual or vocations director when discussing these past issues, to see that if they have been dealt with properly, and that they will not interfere in the future with your discernment or vocation. 

 

What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious priest?
A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the church within a well-defined area (a diocese). He often serves the people as a parish priest, buy may also be involved in other forms of ministry, such as teaching, chaplaincy in hospitals or prisons, campus ministry, etc.  He is obedient to the bishop of his diocese.

A religious priest, on the other hand, is a member of a community which goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese.   He seeks to live a vowed life within a community of men for mutual support and the accomplishment of some work. There is an emphasis in the community on shared ideals, prayer, and commitment to Christ. In addition to the local bishop, he must also obey the local superior of his order.

 

Why do some priests and religious chooses not to wear their clerical dress?
Those who maintain habit or clerical garb do so for various reasons. One is that religious dress is a sign - an instantly recognised symbol of faith in God and commitment to Christianity.

Another frequent rationale is that religious garb is simple dress and therefore a way to live out the vow of poverty. A sister, brother or priest who wears religious garb can own two or three changes of clothing and be free of the expense of a more extensive contemporary wardrobe. 

Other communities say the habit is an important sign of penitence, and of living in the world but not being of the world.

Some communities have opted to wear ordinary clothes, saying the most valid sing of Christian faith is lifestyle rather than garb. They contend that religious dress creates an undesirable barrier between them and the laity with whom they work. Furthermore, those who have discontinued wearing habits often say the original reason for religious garb was to wear the dress of the common people, and ordinary clothes are the common people's dress nowadays.

 

What should one do if one’s parents are against their vocation?
Usually, one’s family can be a great blessing for one’s vocation discernment.  Sometimes though, they can become obstacles.  As responsible Catholics, we must honour our parents to the best of our abilities.  That means we consult them, we listen to them, and we obey them whenever it is reasonable to do so.  This also applies to the area of vocation discernment.  Parents know their children extremely well, and their advice is invaluable for one who is discerning.  Of course, parents naturally want the best for their children, and sometimes it is difficult for them to see how the religious life can be fitting for their child.  They might simply be concerned that their child will not be happy if he or she chooses a particular vocation. 
Discernment is ultimately following God’s plan for our life.  If it is indeed God’s will that a person is to choose a vocation in the priesthood or religious life, the disapproval from a parent cannot hinder that.  Of course, when one has yet to become an adult, he or she should obey their parents, both from a legal and practical standpoint.  Once a person is of age to make his or her own decision, however, discerning implies that one must also be willing to make the difficult decisions.  What one has to do in such a situation is to first pray about it, consult people who has knowledge about this (especially priests and religious), read discernment guides or stories, and discuss tactfully with one’s parents about this subject.  It might just be that one’s parents will never be fully supportive, but we know from the words of our Lord that such is part of the sacrifices His disciples will have to make.

 

Will one’s desires always correspond with God’s will?
Often, people struggle to accept a vocation simply because they don’t desire it.  There are so many good things in this life that such a vocation might entail leaving it all behind.  However, true Christians realize that their love of God must require desiring the will of God to be present in their lives.  This is what we mean when we say “Thy will be done” in the Lord’s prayer.  Discernment then is very much about surrendering to the will of God, to be like our Mother Mary when she said, “Be it done according to me according to Thy word.” 
As we grow in love of God, our desires will slowly correspond to that of God’s will for us.  This is quite possibly the clearest sign of one finding their true vocation, as they start to desire and become the very vocation that they are discerning.  When our desires do not correspond with God’s will, it is either because we place other desires above God, or simply we don’t fully know what God’s will in our lives is.  It takes honest self-reflection and a good prayer life to have the clarity required to accept one’s vocation freely, joyfully, and with love.

 

Should one (continue to) date if he or she is discerning a vocation?
It is very human for us to seek affection and intimacy, and with mutual attraction this usually leads to dating.  The key to any discernment, however, is to grow in love, specifically the love for God.  Part of that may be to realize that a certain relationship is hindering spiritual growth, and that it is more prudent to put the relationship on hold or even terminate it.  This type of decision, however, is best made when a person is calm and has had the opportunity to pray about it, and not in the spur of a moment.  It is also wise to talk with people you trust about this matter and listen to their input.    

 

Should one date first before considering a religious vocation?
There are two types of responses to this subject.  On the one hand, it might be beneficial for someone to have experienced a romantic friendship first before deciding that he or she is called to something else.  After all, we all desire intimacy in our lives, and those that enter the seminary or religious life without having ‘tasted the fruit’ may indeed not have fully discerned this area of their life.
On the other hand, many priests and religious have never dated, yet they are fully comfortable with their vocation.  That is because intimacy need not come only from romantic relationships.  For many, intimacy with the Lord began at an early age, leading quickly to the acceptance of their vocations.  On a human level, they would have received much affection from their families and friends, with their lack of experience on the romantic level not being of any real consequence to the clarity of their vocation.

 

Can someone outside of the faith seek a vocation in the Catholic faith?
There have been many examples of converts to Catholicism becoming priests and religious.  Consider the examples of St. Augustine and Blessed Cardinal Newman.  These men were convinced in the truth that the Catholic faith teaches, becoming converts and great teachers of the faith in the process.  God has a way to call even the most unlikely person to be his servant, such as St. Paul, the very person who persecuted His followers.  What is important is to have an open and docile heart, to be willing to surrender to the will of God.