Dear Tim, 

I see nothing more normal than an attraction to girls in a young man. Even though God gave us this for a very good reason and it is part of his plan, it is nevertheless a drive that has to be mastered, whether you are called to the priesthood or the married life. What I mean is this: it is part of God's original plan, but we have a fallen nature and it is not easy to follow God's will in this regards. We have to master our imagination, instincts, desires so as to be faithful to what God wants. The way to master our heart and the drive to love in our life is to choose whom you are going to love and put all our energies into loving that person well.

This might sound strange, to choose whom you are going to love. Yes, attraction happens, but we decide to love. Love costs. A man who marries tells his bride he will love her for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. In essence he says, even though someone more attractive or someone richer might cross my path I am only for you; even though everything does not work out like a dream I will be faithful to you, you can count on me; no matter what difficulties we may face, I will love you through them all; I will be so dedicated to you that there will be no room left in my heart for another.

The secret to the heart of a priest, and the reason he is able to choose celibacy is because he chooses to love Christ, love the Church, love souls, in a very particular way, totally, and with absolute dedication. And since this is a love-choice, even if someone attractive comes along, even if things do not work out like a dream and his ministry causes him pain and suffering, he too is faithful and profoundly satisfies, happy. Difficulty does not make him re-think his vocation. He knows what he has done, for whom he has done it, and he reaffirms his choice to love Christ when difficulties arise, and even when they don't.

So I think your attraction is normal. What remains now if you are called to the priesthood is to set your heart to love Christ and center your mind to know him and do his work. Increase your love in prayer. Strengthen your spirit and your will so you can be master of your choices and actions. Don't expect other attractions to go away, but pay more attention to the love you have chosen, and think of the souls that need you to receive the Bread of Life and the forgiveness of their sins.
God bless.

-Fr. Anthony