Dear Pat, 

Jesus told his disciples not to fear, that he would be with them always. One of the reasons may be because no one of us can meet every need and solve every problem, much as he might want to. The needs of souls are overwhelming and no single person can work out what he needs to do, so the most intelligent course of action is to let God do the figuring and the choosing, and for us to follow his lead because we trust him. The Church and the world are in his hands, he is THE Good Shepherd.  

Since we are limited what we leave undone will always be more than what we do. No individual can serve everywhere and solve all the problems. Each is limited to what one person can do, and there is no way of escaping this reality.  

If you feel God is calling you to be a priest in your home diocese who is going to tend the sick, or pray and do penance in the monasteries, or go on the missions? Simply someone else that God is calling. If you are called to the missions in Latin America, who is going to take care of your diocese at home? Again someone else that God is calling. If you are called to one diocese, who is going to serve him in the others? Once more someone else that God is calling.  

So look at where he is leading you, what he is putting in your heart, and be confident that if you are faithful to him he will take care of the other concerns you have.  

There is an underlying question here. Some people think there is just one, limited 'vocation pie' out there, so the bigger the slice that goes to the missions, the smaller the slice left for the home dioceses. Nothing could be more untrue. God loves everyone and is calling enough priests for everyone. He needs your example to inspire others. If he wants you for Latin America or somewhere else I can guarantee you that your generosity, example and prayers are going to inspire others to be generous with him and follow their call. If God is calling you to the missions, the best way you can help your home diocese is by going on the missions, even if that seems a paradox. A diocese that does not contribute missionaries to spread the Gospel afar is not really alive. If you are called to the missions you are God's way to give a truly missionary, service-oriented face to your home diocese.  

God bless.