#1 — Being Summoned

The average priest or seminarian would tell you that he first considered priesthood because something within him pointed in that direction. It was a voice, a nudge, a feeling… something prompted him to think, “Could priesthood be for me?” 

This is the first sure sign of a potential vocation.

That said, many young men have initiated the discernment process on their own: “God, I want to know what you have planned for me. So, I will give you this time and energy to discern it.” 

Both are sure ways to begin the discernment process. However, it is more likely that if you did not initiate the search or question about discernment, that the voice you are hearing within might indeed be the voice of Jesus Christ, the High Priest.

#2 — A Desire to Know Christ

Indeed every baptized Christian is called to walk with Jesus Christ toward holiness. This means a prayer life, personal sacrifices, a sense of the Presence of the Lord in daily moments. However, men who are called to priesthood often have a deeper or fuller sense of longing to know — or indeed of already knowing — the Heart of the Father more than the average Catholic. If you find yourself praying more than your friends do, if you recognize a still unmet desire to know and love the Lord, then it might be another sign of a vocation to priesthood.

#3 — Freedom

One of the most helpful ways to encourage a vocation is to tell people you see it in them, but sometimes young people can feel burdened by pressure to discern. God never forces or compels. Nor does He scare anyone of his sons into seminary or discernment. The Father wants you to be free, totally free, and so He only invites you to hear and heed the voice of the Good Shepherd who is calling out to you. If you hear this voice, ask for peace. Where there is peace, there is freedom, and there might be a call.

#4 — Health

Most people probably don’t know that men in formation are undergoing intensive and profound human development. Like the potter at the wheel, the Lord is molding his men to prepare them for mission (Jeremiah 18). To become who you were created to be, you must first possess sufficient physical and psychological health. God wants good instruments for His ministry. As we walk with men who are responding to the voice of Christ, we ask questions about where you are as a man. 

Can you get up and get to the chapel for prayer in the morning? Are you able to relate to both men and women well? 

If you are healthy, overall, then that might mean the call, desire, and freedom are being confirmed in you for priestly discernment and formation.

#5 — Selflessness 

The number one way to follow Jesus is to give up one’s own life. He did. He asks us to do the same. Part of growing up is recognizing that our lives are not about ourselves. In fact, Jesus told us that only in losing our lives can we find what we are looking for (Mt 10:39). In our early years, the focus of our eyes and minds are often just for ourselves: I’m hungry. I want to buy this. What will make me look good? 

As we mature as men and as Christians, our focus necessarily shifts to others: What does he need? How can I serve her? How is the Lord calling me to gain by giving away? 

A sure sign that a man is not prepared to follow the call of Christ to priesthood is selfishness. However, if you are ready to commit to living in love for others and for God, then perhaps the Lord is indeed calling you to follow in His footsteps. 

#6 — Attraction 

Too often, guys feel like they have to do something even though they have no real desire for it at all. This might be the feeling you have at 5am when you wake up for a before-school work out. You don’t want to be up or getting ready, but you do it anyway. Sometimes you will have those feelings in discernment. However, there must be at least some sense of being attracted to priestly life. 

Do you want to live every day for God and His Church? Does being with people in their most joyful highs and hardest lows sound meaningful to you? When you are around a priest at Mass, do you wonder what it would be like to be in his shoes? 

Being attracted to priesthood in these sorts of ways might be a sign of a call. 

ARE YOU READY?

If you see these signs in yourself, prayerfully consider contacting a priest you trust to talk. No one will ask you to sign on any dotted lines. Just let them hear where you are. We know what it’s like for young men to discern, but we also know what it’s like for guys to discern marriage, and we want you to find the same thing you are looking for: happiness according to the will of God.