www.vocation.com - Which order should I join?

	Tom asks: I'm a college student discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood and was wondering how and when one should find out with which order they should become affiliated. I'm especially wondering about the discernment of the diocesan priesthood vs. non-diocesan orders? (for example: the teaching orders - the local Church benefits from their schools).
	Dear Tom, When you wonder if you are called to one or the other, you have to ask yourself what God is putting in your heart to do in order to serve the local Church - where are you attracted to?. Religious priests live in community, have a particular charism, live under a rule of life, have to be willing to be sent where they are needed, etc. Look at the gifts God has given you - are they leading more towards community life or not, or towards a particular type of ministry? Then you should also look at whatever God has put in your path: his providence puts what he wants you to do in your path. A very good way to get some light is to visit the seminaries of the places you are interested in. God bless.


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