Spiritual Advisor
This week I went in and talked to Fr. Russeau in the vocations office about my decision to not enter Old College at this point as well as what I was feeling. He reassured me that the doubts that I have are normal and just part of the process becuase I am looking at making a major decision! He recommended that I get in touch with one of their spiritual directors, which I plan on doing over break, and hopefully that will help me find out what my vocation is. I hope so; I need all the help I can get.
Holy Cross has been wonderful about helping me whenever they can (though they aren't the most prompt people, but still, that happens when you work at a school). I definately am strongly thinking about Holy Cross but I am also going to try to keep in mind that there are a lot of other religious orders out there and also remember that my spiritual advisor will be associated with Holy Cross so there could be some bias. Not to say that is a bad thing, it is like how I am when I talk about Notre Dame and it is just natural. I just have to make sure that I find the right fit if priesthood is the right thing for me.
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT ORDER and you think there is a book (or books) out there that may lead me towards your order please comment on this post and tell me. I am going to make a big book purchase with any Christmas money I get (I am such a nerd) and I will be sure to incude your suggestions as long as I have the means to do so. I just want to read all that is out there so that hopefully something will click and I will know, you know? I know there will probably always be doubt but I don't want to go into this ignorant in any way. I know there are lots of great orders out there that I haven't been exposed to and I am asking for your help in helping me get that exposure so I can make the proper choice.
Thank you all for reading this and God Bless all of you! I hope you all have a great Advent and Christmas season (not sure when my next post will be). Also, please pray for me as I am currently going through final exams!
Holy Cross has been wonderful about helping me whenever they can (though they aren't the most prompt people, but still, that happens when you work at a school). I definately am strongly thinking about Holy Cross but I am also going to try to keep in mind that there are a lot of other religious orders out there and also remember that my spiritual advisor will be associated with Holy Cross so there could be some bias. Not to say that is a bad thing, it is like how I am when I talk about Notre Dame and it is just natural. I just have to make sure that I find the right fit if priesthood is the right thing for me.
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT ORDER and you think there is a book (or books) out there that may lead me towards your order please comment on this post and tell me. I am going to make a big book purchase with any Christmas money I get (I am such a nerd) and I will be sure to incude your suggestions as long as I have the means to do so. I just want to read all that is out there so that hopefully something will click and I will know, you know? I know there will probably always be doubt but I don't want to go into this ignorant in any way. I know there are lots of great orders out there that I haven't been exposed to and I am asking for your help in helping me get that exposure so I can make the proper choice.
Thank you all for reading this and God Bless all of you! I hope you all have a great Advent and Christmas season (not sure when my next post will be). Also, please pray for me as I am currently going through final exams!
posted by Mike | 12:48 PM
4 Comments:
Mike,
There are many good communities out there and you can find them on the web (although others probably know specific web sites).
The best way to get to know a community is to personally visit and then pray about it and reflect upon it through spiritual direction.
A good book that I found helpful in terms of discernment of vocation at a broad level is, "What does God want?" by Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R.
I'm a bit biased since Fr. Mike is one of my brother friars and he's been someone I've looked up to for years. It may be helpful to you.
God bless you in your studies!
Mike,
Try "The Fifth Week" by William J. O'Malley. You can get it on Amazon or free from any Jesuit vocation director. It's great about the Jesuits, of course, but also about discerning a vocation in general. It was certainly pivotal in my discernment!
Good luck and prayers!
Keep up the good work » »
That's a great story. Waiting for more. »
Post a Comment
<< Home