www.vocation.com - What should I do if someone starts to show interest in

	Alex asks: First, thank you for this FAQ; some of the answers here have really helped. I'm currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood. I've been in contact with the Jesuits and I'm going to visit them in the beginning of January. Recently, however, I've had real doubts. I've come to realize more and more my sinfulness and wonder how could I, being the sinner that I am, give absolution to others. How could I, who have used my hands to sin, hold up the consecrated Host? I'm beginning to doubt my capacity and my very ability to function as a priest. (That is, IF I'm let through the process of becoming one.) Second, I recently met this girl. She is one of the sweetest, most wonderful persons I've encountered and the attraction seems to be mutual. I've tried to keep the relation at a friendly, platonic level but this is becoming harder and harder since we take classes together at the university. I realize that if I am to follow my vocation, dating and such is of course out of the question. But how should I handle this? Should I simply try not to be alone with her and avoid anything that could encourage her? Should I tell her how I feel about her and then tell her about my vocation? Well, this is my situation. I guess I am mostly writing to get things of my chest, still, I'd appreciate your prayers. - Alex
	Dear Alex, Lets take your two questions separately. One: you feel unworthy, you have sinned and you think it would be hypocritical for you to pardon others and to raise the pure Host in your hands. If sinlessness were the condition to be called to the priesthood, who would be left? It is not we who pardon, it is Christ who uses us (the priest forgives in the person of Christ) to pardon sins. Only God can forgive sins. So the fact of being a sinner is not an impediment to priesthood. The nature of the sins we have committed, their frequency, how deeply rooted they are in us, and the effect they have had on our mind, will and passions do matter. So here you will have to seek some advice from a confessor or spiritual director to see if your concrete past would be an impediment to a vocation. Two: you are smitten and you don't know what to do. You know that if you have a vocation dating her is out of the question. Good. You are thinking straight so far. If she gives a hint that she is attracted towards you and seems to want to get to know you better you might just want to scare her away by telling her you think you have a vocation. It may not help much if you tell her you are attracted to her. If she has not given real signs she is particularly interested in you there wouldn't be much point in letting her know your feelings. God bless,


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