www.vocation.com - Can a person that is very, very shy become a priest?

	James asks: I've been talking to a young man who is very interested in the priesthood. The more I talk to him, the more it becomes evident that he probably isn't cut out for it. He's very, very quiet and shy. I can't imagine him speaking in front of an entire parish. I do know that God can and does work wonders, but should I continue to encourage him towards the priesthood? Should I introduce him to the prospect of joining a religious order? The latter seems a better fit for him since he may do better in a life of quiet prayer and service. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
	Dear James, There are some almost pathological cases of shyness that would be a sign against a vocation. I have also seen some amazing cases where sheer love for souls and the vocation, some help and the experience of some success in the apostolate have changed men and turned them into singular instruments of Gods grace, all the more convincing given the obvious difficulties they had to overcome. A good practice for those young men whose vocation your are unsure of is to give them the opportunity to work and come out of themselves. Challenge them to be lectors, and help them do it well. Challenge them to teach CCD, and help them do it well. Challenge and help them always. The results will often surprise you. Shyness is probably not the best sign to discern between a religious and diocesan vocation but rather the internal attraction towards a particular spirituality or community life. God bless,


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