www.vocation.com - Have I been 'blackballed'?

	Mark asks: Fr. Anthony, I am an adult convert to the Catholic faith (-raised Southern Baptist) and I studied for the diocese of X for five years. (Two years of pre-theology, two years of theology, then a pastoral year followed by CPE.) I asked for a year off to make sure of my call. This took only a few months after which I was stunned to discover that the diocese was not interested in taking me back. I was never discontinued by the diocese or by my seminary. That was two years ago. I have been talking with Y diocese for eight months about the possibility of going there, but the bishop has yet to make up his mind. Though I`m told that nothing in my files speaks against me, the diocese is wary about X---as in, "If there`s no problem why isn`t X still supporting this guy?" Have I been blackballed? Is there such a thing? Do you have any advice for me? Pax Christi, Mark
	Dear Mark, Obviously, if one diocese turns you down and you apply to another, the second one is going to have questions and a certain hesitation, quite apart from any blackballing. Blackballing in the sense of unjustly tagging someone for non-admission always and everywhere without any objective reason would be a very serous abnormality. I think what may be happening is some people being very cautious and acting responsibly, because there is much at stake in admitting a man to study for the priesthood. All I can recommend to you is patience, openness and fervent prayer. God bless.


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