How does a man discern the priesthood?

Discernment  is the way every baptized Christian should make serious decisions in the context of God’s plan. It is rooted in a posture of openness to God’s will. For a man discerning priesthood, his journey may begin in many ways. The possibility may present itself to him through prayer, his own questions, or someone talking to him about 
the priesthood.  Eventually, he must arrive at the core question, “God, what is your plan for my life?”

It is difficult to relinquish control of one’s own life. There is often the temptation to captain one’s own ship. In the country song, “Jesus take the wheel,” I’ve always imagined Jesus might want to steer for us even before we are in a tailspin! God is always willing to help us when we’re in trouble. But what would happen if we allowed Him to guide us and direct us in ALL things?

A man discerning the priesthood may seek counsel from his pastor or confessor, and enter discussion with the vocations director. He may also read books including "To Save a Thousand Souls." He may visit the seminary or join the Diocese of Marquette’s annual seminarian retreat to learn more. These experiences give the discerner raw data to bring to his prayers. He may notice a movement in his heart.  Is he being drawn toward the priesthood? Does the call to priesthood deepen and grow? Every man discerning priesthood must confront the question of celibacy. By his human nature, a man has a healthy and natural desire for marriage. A call to the priesthood is not the lack of a desire for the great natural good of marriage and family. A man does not enter the priesthood because he doesn’t like marriage but because the Lord has another plan to grow and fulfill his heart.

Where there is support from the vocations director, the next step is to apply to become a seminarian. This is a shared discernment between the man and the diocese. A man’s desire to become a priest must be confirmed by the bishop’s invitation to become a seminarian. Entering seminary is a step into more serious and sustained discernment. Many resources are placed at the man’s disposal including daily Mass, a discipline of prayer, spiritual direction, instruction in the Church’s tradition, and experiences of pastoral ministry. Taken together these resources give the man a way to refine and purify a sense of God’s call in his life. Please pray for hearts open to the priesthood.

-Fr. Ben Hasse, Vocations Director