Answers available for those discerning call to priesthood
Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published February 17, 2006
Fr. James Bilot, director of the archdiocesan Vocation Office, stands before photos of recent years' priest ordination classes. |
For the young man who thinks he might have a calling to the priesthood, Fr. James Bilot suggests a first step would be to discuss it with his parish priest or college chaplain, and with parents or others who could be supportive in his discernment process.
Information on priestly vocations is available on the archdiocesan Web site, or by calling the Vocation Office, says Fr. Bilot, director of the office.
And those making contact with the office for information, whether by phone or e-mail, shouldn't worry they are somehow getting themselves into something that will be difficult to get out of if they decide not to pursue it further.
"Our role as a Vocation Office is to help people in their discernment process. There's never any pressure from us it's between them and God," Fr. Bilot says.
To become a priest, it is necessary to attend seminary both for the education and formation it provides and the Vocation Office can arrange for an interested young man to experience a sample of what seminary life is like.
Called a discernment weekend, this opportunity is offered from time to time at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. "It allows a guy to immerse himself in the life of the seminary on a very short visit. They attend prayers and Masses, sit in on classes, and interact with seminarians and faculty," Fr. Bilot explains.
If, after attending a discernment weekend, the young man thinks he does, indeed, have a vocation and is ready to pursue it the next step would be to arrange a meeting with Fr. Bilot, who would help guide him through the process of applying to enter the seminary.
The Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Detroit provides information and guidance to men discerning a vocation to the priesthood, and can arrange for him to attend a seminary discernment weekend. Future discernment weekends are scheduled for:
March 16-19
May 12-13
Nov. 16-19
The office can also help with information and contacts for those interested in the vowed religious life. Contact the Vocation Office at (313) 237-5875 or visit the Web site at www.vocationsdetroit.org. | But if at any point along the way be it six months later or five years later a seminarian decides he really isn't being called to the priesthood, he can leave the program without obligation.
Many men have done precisely that through the years, and many of those have gone on to use what they learned at seminary to help them in pursuing a lay ecclesial ministry vocation in the Church.
And besides those who go on to work for the Church, many just let what they learned in seminary help them as they live out their vocation as faithful laymen. Years later, as they near retirement in whichever career they have chosen, some decide to pursue ordination as permanent deacons.
"Guys who have been in the seminary, and left it, generally have a very positive attitude about it and are very grateful for the experience," Fr. Bilot says.
Not that having second thoughts about having a priestly vocation means a man doesn't have one. "Some guys will always have confidence about their vocation, while others will struggle all the way through but work though their doubts with their spiritual director," Fr. Bilot says.
To attend a seminary discernment weekend, a young
man should be at least a junior in high school or 16 years old. But always eager to nurture possible vocations, the Vocation Office also welcomes inquiries from younger boys, who will receive a packet of information.
At a time when the Church is seeing many delayed vocations, the age range is somewhat open at the high end. "We take guys in their 40s for the most part, that isn't a question but older than that there would have to be some special circumstances," Fr. Bilot says.
For example, an older man who had gone through much of his seminary education in his younger years, but dropped out, or a permanent deacon who had become a widower might be accepted.
"It doesn't hurt to ask," Fr. Bilot adds.
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