Sacrament of Holy Orders: A Divine Call (4)

And the priesthood is absolutely necessary in the Church, since it is by it that the faithful participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receive most of the sacraments, their instruction in the Faith, and pastors to guide them towards everlasting life.

Parents who force or oblige their children to enter into the priesthood commit a grave sin; they usurp the rights of God, who has reserved for Himself, through the ministry of the bishops, the choice of His ministers.

Those, on the other hand, who turn their children away from the priesthood also commit a grave sin, for they resist the will of God and commit an injustice by refusing their children the right to answer the divine call. They deprive themselves and their children of many graces. 

As for those who would enter into the clergy without being called by God, they would commit a very grave evil and be in danger of losing their souls.

“You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you” (Jn. 15:16).

The Divine Call

In order to know whether God is calling one to the priestly state, one should

1. Fervently ask Our Lord to make His Will known,

2. Take counsel from one’s bishop or a wise and prudent director,

3. Consider carefully whether one has the necessary abilities for the studies, functions and obligations of this state. A spiritual retreat is often a very good way to discern this call from God to follow Him and serve Him.