Dear Fred,

It would be good to take into consideration several factors in order to make your decision as to when to tell your parents.

One factor is your age and if you live at home. Generally speaking, the younger you are, especially if you are under age, the better it is to speak to your parents about your thoughts.

Another factor is the degree to which you are sure about your vocation. If you are fairly sure about what you think God wants you to do it would be good to speak to them as soon as possible, especially if it entails taking some immediate concrete action such as going on a retreat.

A third factor is the reason or reasons that lead you to think there is a chance their reaction may not be supportive. Make sure that you work to improve on anything in your life that might make them fear it is an immature decision, or one that you are not preparing yourself to live well.

God bless.