www.vocation.com - I am an only child, can I help my parents and be a pri

	Alfred asks: Dear Father, I am the only child in the family, and yet I have a strong desire to become a priest. Now, I am studying in the seminary, first year philosophy. I tend to think the fate of my family in the future, who will come to my parents' aid? What is the concrete solution on this problem? Thank you, Father.
	Dear Alfred, The answer depends in part on what country you are from, the social conditions and support offered there to the elderly, and what type of a priest you will become - religious or diocesan. Generally speaking, a diocesan priest, since he lives and serves in or near his home diocese, can be in frequent contact and support in some way his parents in their old age. A religious priest is more likely to be far away, and without personal resources to help at all. However, more and more frequently nowadays insurance, health care programs, pensions and different forms of social security makes the support of children for their parents less necessary than in the past. Hope this helps.


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