Dear Shawn, 

I am glad you found the spiritual exercises helpful, and I pray that you will persevere in your decision to follow Christ in the diocesan priesthood.

As regards your attraction for girls, the first thing it means is that you are probably normal. The key to priesthood is not to be found in the absence of an attraction for girls, but in the reasons you have for not pursuing that attraction and choosing something else above it, and what you do to strengthen yourself in your commitment to celibacy.

It will help if you keep in very high esteem what a priest is, and the good he is called to do. Then make sure that you "watch and pray" as Christ told Peter. Take care that you don't put yourself in temptation, that you protect your commitment to love Christ exclusively. Watch your readings, the use you make of the media and your time, mastery of your mind, self-discipline and sacrifice..., and pray - through Mary's intercession, especially - for the grace of this love. Get to know Christ in prayer, learn from him the value of a single soul, see what he was prepared to do for us... etc... And especially read and accept all the Church teaches about the great gift and charism of celibacy.

God bless,