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Vanna
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| Posted: Sept 01 2009 at 9:15am | IP Logged
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who says, "I think I'm being called to be a priest"? I was so shocked. I am a convert to our faith and I guess it never occurred to me how people become priests.  I, of course, want to encourage anything my child wants to do...but isn't he a bit young to be making these type of decisons? Should I talk to our priest? Should I just tell him he needs to pray a lot about these kind of decisions???
Anyone been there with this sort of thing?
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Booksnbabes
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I'd say, "Awesome!" I've often heard priests talk of when they felt called, and many were younger than 13. I, too, have wondered how they could possibly know, but I think perhaps the younger set are better able to hear God's call because often life isn't as cluttered for them.
I would encourage him to pray about it, talk to a priest, and continue to learn as much as he can about the faith. Yes, he's young and who knows what the future holds, but there's no reason not to encourage the current nudging he feels!
Sorry I'm not more help. I'll be praying for discernment for your son, and for you as you continue to help your young man grow! 
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JodieLyn
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What would you say to a 13 yr old that said he wanted to be a Chemistry teacher? or a Police Officer?
That's wonderful dear, let's look into that.
Would probably be a good way to go  At 13 they can still change.. so not locking them into it but also encouraging them and helping them explore it.
My 11 yr old has recently said something simliar. Which is interesting.. because he'd mentioned it when he was little (like under 5 little) and then he would say that he did not want to be a priest that he wanted to be able to get married and then just the other day he mentioned to someone that he was thinking of being a Priest.
Right now, not drawing too much attention to it I think is best for him. But I'll start providing some information without it being so directed at him that he feels flustered or pushed.
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SusanJ
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Vanna,
Even once your son is old enough to act on this sort of decision, becoming a priest is a long process. Many dioceses and religious orders really look at the time up until diaconate ordinations as a time of continued discernment. We were just at a going-away party for a dear friend who left for seminary yesterday. We were the only Catholics at the party and everyone there was pretty curious--worried he was doing something really rash (he's 29!). I think they all felt a lot better when he told them it would be eight years until ordination!
Susan
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Erin
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I remember a discussion with my brother at 13, he had shown interest in being a priest and one day I asked him, "So do you want to be a priest?" He replied, "It's not what I want, its what God wants."
Basically I think this reply says it well. Pray together and leave it open, encouraging and in God's hands.
Btw, My brother has just joined the seminary:) http://sevenlittleaustralians.blogspot.com/2009/07/hes-off-t o-seminary.htmlx
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MrsM
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My oldest (she's 12 now) feels she may be called to the religious life. She loves to talk about it, think about it, pray about it, and research (with me) different religious orders online. We always encourage her with "How wonderful that God may be calling you to religious life!" We stress to all of our children that the only way to be truly happy is to follow where God is leading you. Be open to a religious vocation in case that is what He wants for you, but the key is always Him, and HIS will for your life, whatever that is.
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ALmom
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Be careful not to blab too much about it or overdo it while being supportive. We would support our children in following whatever God called them to.
We've heard of a few folks who took a bit longer to discern and ran the other way because mom talked too much and then they got tired of always hearing - "Oh, so you're the one that wants to be a nun." I'd be honored that your son confided this to you and would tell him how special it is for God to call, and encourage prayer and discernment with a priest as he feels led and offer to help him find any information he would like to know about. But I would keep his interest in confidence and let him tell whom he wants. No matter what vocation, prayer is always essential so, of course, you would be praying and encouraging him to pray as well.
Janet
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molly
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I know Padre Pio taught that many were called much younger than 13. I have heard to treat the call with the utmost resoect and protect the vocation. In other words do whatever you need to do to foster the "call" in the most Holy of ways.
I have a local friend, who is also a convert, who has a son who just entered the seminary. It was a surprise for them too! I will ask her to pray for you.
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Mackfam
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ALmom wrote:
Be careful not to blab too much about it or overdo it while being supportive. We would support our children in following whatever God called them to.
We've heard of a few folks who took a bit longer to discern and ran the other way because mom talked too much and then they got tired of always hearing - "Oh, so you're the one that wants to be a nun." I'd be honored that your son confided this to you and would tell him how special it is for God to call, and encourage prayer and discernment with a priest as he feels led and offer to help him find any information he would like to know about. But I would keep his interest in confidence and let him tell whom he wants. No matter what vocation, prayer is always essential so, of course, you would be praying and encouraging him to pray as well.
Janet |
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This is great advice! I had to quote it all!
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Vanna
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Thank you everyone. I appreciate the ideas.
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