Year IV, Number 49

For a believer the interpretation of the historical situation finds its principle for understanding and its criterion for making practical choices in a new and unique reality, that is, in a Gospel discernment. This interpretation is a work which is done in the light and strength provided by the true and living Gospel, which is Jesus Christ, and in virtue of the gift of the Holy Spirit. In such a way, Gospel discernment gathers from the historical situation - from its events and circumstances - not just a simple "fact" to be precisely recorded yet capable of leaving a person indifferent or passive, but a "task," a challenge to responsible freedom - both of the individual person and of the community. It is a "challenge" which is linked to a "call" which God causes to sound in the historical situation itself. In this situation, and also through it, God calls the believer - and first of all the Church - to ensure that "the Gospel of vocation and priesthood" expresses its perennial truth in the changing circumstances of life. In this case, the words of the Second Vatican Council are also applicable to the formation of priests: "The Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel so that in a language intelligible to every generation, she can respond to the perennial questions which people ask about this present life and the life to come, and about the relationship of the one to the other. We must therefore recognize and understand the world in which we live, it's expectations, its longings and its often dramatic characteristics."

This Gospel discernment is based on trust in the love of Jesus Christ, who always and tirelessly cares for his Church (cf. Eph. 5:29), he the Lord and Master, the key, the center and the purpose of the whole of human history. This discernment is nourished by the light and strength of the Holy Spirit who evokes everywhere and in all circumstances, obedience to the faith, the joyous courage of following Jesus, and the gift of wisdom, which judges all things and is judged by no one (cf. 1 Cor. 2:15). It rests on the fidelity of the Father to his promises.

In this way the Church feels that she can face the difficulties and challenges of this new period of history and can also provide, in the present and in the future, priests who are well trained to be convinced and fervent ministers of the "new evangelization," faithful and generous servants of Jesus Christ and of the human family. We are not unmindful of difficulties in this regard; they are neither few nor insignificant. However, to surmount these difficulties we have at our disposal our hope, our faith in the unfailing love of Christ, and our certainty that the priestly ministry in the life of the Church and in the world knows no substitute.

Q. Dear Fr Anthony,

I have been very seriously considering the priesthood in the last six months or so. I'm going to be a senior in high school this next year, so I have a while before I can actually enter the seminary, if that's what God's call for me is. I'm just wondering what kind of education seminarians acquire in the seminary. I am very interested in Catholicism and I want very badly to get a degree in Theology before I enter any vocation, but especially the priesthood. Would or could I acquire this degree while in the seminary, or is it something I need to do on my own? Also, if I were to go to the seminary first, would I be able to get the degree after I became a priest? Thanks and may God bless you always!

- Mike

A. Dear Mike,

Seminarians usually get a college degree before studying theology. In most cases, you can get your college degree while being in the seminary or house of formation, but there are some dioceses and orders that require you to have the degree before starting in the seminary. From the point of view of your priesthood and the studies you will do in theology, it is best to major in philosophy in college, but not any philosophy. Go somewhere you can study systematic philosophy, sometimes called ‘perennial philosophy’; or, at the very least, do the ‘Great Books’ course. Regarding theology, all seminarians study it, and at the very least take what corresponds to a bachelor’s degree. You are right in wanting to study theology well; it is nonsense to think we have anything to offer people if we haven’t opened all our heart and soul to God in prayer, and all our mind to him in study. Once we do that we can apply all our strength to loving him in preaching and extending his Kingdom. God bless.

- Fr Anthony

Q. Dear Fr Anthony,

In discerning my vocation, whether it be to consecrated or married life, I think it would be helpful to have a spiritual director. However, I've only been given a brief explanation of what one is and how to chose one. What should I consider when choosing a spiritual director? Are there any specific criteria (i.e. age, status in life) besides the obvious fact that they need to be faithful Catholics? Because I'm a woman, I've been told before it might be better to have another woman as a spiritual director. It has also been suggested that I ask our parish priest to be my spiritual director. What does having a spiritual director entail exactly, and how would I go about asking a chosen person? I'm a little confused on the whole issue, but I think it would be helpful in discerning to have someone to vent all my ideas, prayers, thoughts, fears, and frustrations on...someone I could trust and be completely open with. The whole idea of discerning is so intimidating to me, so I want to have someone to help me along the way. Thanks for your kind service in answering my question. Peace in Christ and God Bless.

- Jennifer

A. Dear Jennifer,

It is not necessary that a spiritual director be a priest. Perhaps it is more common that he is, but it is not absolutely necessary. The main quality to look for in a spiritual director is the gift of prudence, and a genuinely prudent person will always be both humble and strong. On top of that the director should have knowledge (both some learning and the gift). Usually you come across a good spiritual director by reference - either through the recommendation of someone you know, or you hear him preach, or you read something he wrote... and that moves you to ask him.

In your present situation you may find it helpful first of all to go on a good retreat, preferably a silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, and as part of that retreat make what is called a General Confession; the confessor will be able to give you some initial advice as regards your vocation in the sacrament of confession, and may even be able to recommend a possible spiritual director to you. Don’t forget as you do your search that ‘your heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask him.’ So pray with trust and confidence for the right person to help you.

God bless.

- Fr Anthony

I invite you to read and meditate on the “farewell discourse” given by Jesus Christ during his Last Supper, which you will find in chapters 13 to 17 of St. John’s Gospel. You will see how insistently Jesus returns a pressing exhortation: He asks his disciples to remain in his love, and to love one another as intensely and radically as He has loved them. The exhortation is so forceful that Christ gives it the value, density and obligation of a command: I give you a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you, you also must love one another (Jn 13:34).

Jesus Christ wants this “new commandment” to be the distinctive sign of all those who wish to follow his footsteps, that is, of all of us who bear the name of Christians: By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples (Jn 13:35). It is not a recommendation that he makes exclusively to the apostles at the moment of his final farewell, a few hours before his death. No. It is the “password” that He has left to all generations of his disciples throughout the span of the world and history.

I have always wanted to be a priest as long as I can remember. I have clear pictures in my mind of celebrating Mass, using nacho Doritos for the host, when I was only four years old. The priesthood for me has always seemed like the noblest thing a man can do. And for that reason I have always felt called to serve Christ in this way. I had the typical normal life. I went to a small Catholic School in northern Illinois. I played sports and had the normal social life. My life was changed forever when I met the Legion for the first time in 1995.

I saw in this group of brothers and fathers a deep sense of happiness that I wanted to have as well. I was most attracted to them because of their militant spirit and sense of urgency to accomplish their mission, to save souls.

In 1997, at the age of 13, I said goodbye to my family, friends, and all my possessions, and dashed off to the summer program in Center Harbor, NH to discern if I should join the apostolic school. This is the Legion’s minor seminary where young men are thinking about the priesthood. I can remember the night I got there as if it were yesterday. I was staring out the window of a bus full of loud boys, asking myself, “What in the world am I doing here?”

My three years in the apostolic school were the best ones of my life so far. My love for my vocation grew immensely during these years. However, after three years, in July of 2000, God’s will was for me to continue the road to my vocation back home. I did the last two years of high school at a good-sized catholic school in suburban Chicago. These two years of my life were very interesting. I can say that I definitely would not be here now if it had not been our Lady, who protected me and continued to form in me that priestly heart. I tried to set aside time every day for prayer and sacraments. Fitting in my prayers, I learned, was one of the essential things to leading a moral life. I can remember many late nights where I finished “studying” or “cramming” for a test and I would pray my night prayers at 2 a.m. It was at times like this when I felt very close to God and could feel Him calling me to a special mission. Every day I felt a stronger call within me to come to the candidacy. I had been accepted to Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, towards the end of my senior year. I was very excited about this, and I was looking forward to four great years there. However, I knew in the bottom of my heart that if I wanted to be truly happy in life, I would have to do whatever God wanted me to do.

So, I finished off high school in early May, and three weeks later I found myself in a black tie and white shirt in Cheshire, Connecticut, with a big smile on my face and a heart that was filled with great peace. So far, this has made me the happiest I have ever felt in my life, and I am ready for whatever vocation the Lord is calling me to.

Upcoming Events & Retreats

(( Listed here are retreats directed by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi members. For a listing of diocesan activities and other events, click here to go to the vocation.com website ))

LEGIONARIES OF CHRIST

Washington, DC, January 17-22, 2003. Mission for Life! Cost: only $90. Help the nation's capital prepare for the national March for Life by participating in a retreat and evangelization mission! For more information, click on mission@ytm.org or call (301) 365-3205.

Cornwall, ONT, Feb 7-9, 2003, Test Your Call Retreat. Ages 16-30. Price: none. Contact Fr William Slattery at wslattery@legionaries.org or at (613) 931-1920.

Cheshire, CT, Feb 7-9, 2003, Test Your Call Retreat. Ages 16-30. Price: none. Contact Br Branigan Sherman at vocation@legionaries.org or (800) 420-5409.

Houston, TX, Feb 8-9, 2003, Evangelization Mission. Ages 16-30. Contact Donna Rueby at dmrueby@hotmail.com or (281) 361-3708. Sponsored by Youth for the Third Millennium

Sacramento, CA, Feb 9-10, 2003, Young Men's Retreat. Ages 16-30. Price: $15. Contact Br Robert DeCesare at sgomez@legionaries.org or (916) 716-5506.

REGNUM CHRISTI consecrated women

Washington, DC, January 17-22, 2003. Mission for Life! Cost: only $90. Help the nation's capital prepare for the national March for Life by participating in a retreat and evangelization mission! For more information, click on mission@ytm.org or call (301) 365-3205.

Ottawa, Jan 19, 2003, Young Women's Spiritual Growth Retreat. Ages 17-30. Contact Lourdes Cano at lcano@inteducators.org or (401) 225-2314.

Atlanta, GA, Feb 3, 2003, Young Women's Spiritual Growth Retreat. Ages 17-30. Contcat Dorrie Donahue at ddonahue@inteducators.org or (770) 417-1045.

Los Angeles, CA, Feb 7-9, 2003, Young Women's Spiritual Growth Retreat. Ages 16-30. Contact Magdalena Faine at mfaine@inteducators.org or(562) 597-6351.

Washinton DC, Feb 7-9, 2003, Spiritual Exercises. Ages 17-30. Contact Lucy Honnor at lhonnor@inteducators.org or(301) 536-6931.

REGNUM CHRISTI consecrated men

Call Tony McDonnell for more information, (301) 365-3205. info@ytm.org.

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