www.vocation.com - I had trouble in school and I'm nervous that the semin

	Ben asks: I have some interest in a vocation as at the moment I am between jobs I can see one being able to carry out some of the tasks of a priest visiting the sick marriages funerals baptisms and some administrative work associated with the parish etc. I currently assist a priest on Sundays at mass. However reading the Catholic newspapers and seeing some of the academic quality of some of the late vocations I feel a little lost. (Some are qualified accountants.) I myself had some difficulty with university studies, managing only passing grades in some subjects. I feel that I may have difficulty with some of the subjects at the seminary. But I do know that if one survived for 3 years one could become a deacon. Then full 6 years to become a fully fledged priest?
	Dear Ben, I am going to encourage you to look more into the possibility of the priesthood. Studies are important, but if you have made it through college you probably have what it takes. It is amazing too how our ability to learn seems to increase when we have a purpose for studying and are fully dedicated to it. More than studies, focus on what the priest is. The life of purity, prayer and service he is called to, just like Christ. Speak with your pastor about this. Open to him your whole life, your spiritual journey so he can advise you well. Perhaps even ask him if he thinks you should begin by going for the diaconate, and then seeing what the Bishop says. God bless.


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