NationStates Jolt Archive

First off, I would like to say damn (or thank you) to "The Laramine Project", which was a movie about the death of Matthew Shepard. In the movie a group of film makers that goes to the small town of Laramine. They interviewed people that was connected to either the two guy who committed the crime or Shepard. One of the person they interviewed was a father (Catholic Priest). This father was nice, caring, and he actually condemmed the attack on Matthew. He was very helpful. After seeing this film, it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. Now for a little background information! On April of 2005 when Pope John Paul II has died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected to power, I had the feeling of being called. All through my life, I have always admired and befriended the Fathers that passed my church. Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.

If you want to waist your life, go ahead.

I do have one question, though. Are you particularly ugly? That could only make the whole celibacy thing a bit easier.

If you want to waist your life, go ahead.

How would I be wasting my life by not only preaching the word of Jesus, but helping out my community and reaching out to them?

I do have one question, though. Are you particularly ugly? That could only make the whole celibacy thing a bit easier.

You decide for yourself.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/PAY5353/Wilgrove/DSCF0014.jpg

How would I be wasting my life by not only preaching the word of Jesus, but helping out my community and reaching out to them?
I don't need any "help" from any church thank you very much, and I'm sure most people don't either. All you do is brain-wash them.
You decide for yourself.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/PAY5353/Wilgrove/DSCF0014.jpg
Shit! Were you in an accident or something?

Seriously, if you're willing to commit to the vocation withstanding the inevitable child molestation jokes and then some hardline Catholic views as decreed by Emperor Benedict which might make you uncomfortable then go for it. Nobody should want to be a priest as a career (well except maybe Dermot Morgan, God Rest His Soul). Should be a calling.

I don't need any "help" from any church thank you very much, and I'm sure most people don't either. All you do is brain-wash them.

So I guess running a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or school is brain washing?

Shit! Were you in an accident or something?

Google Goldenhar Syndrome, because knowledge is power. And You'd think after six ear surgery and three jaw surgery would kinda cover up the fact that I was born diffrent. Hmmm, well, thats about 2 million dollars wasted.

First off, I would like to say damn (or thank you) to "The Laramine Project", which was a movie about the death of Matthew Shepard. In the movie a group of film makers that goes to the small town of Laramine. They interviewed people that was connected to either the two guy who committed the crime or Shepard. One of the person they interviewed was a father (Catholic Priest). This father was nice, caring, and he actually condemmed the attack on Matthew. He was very helpful. After seeing this film, it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. Now for a little background information! On April of 2005 when Pope John Paul II has died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected to power, I had the feeling of being called. All through my life, I have always admired and befriended the Fathers that passed my church. Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.
You are asking General about what they think about you becoming a Father?:confused: You do know that General does generally hate christianity right?

You are asking General about what they think about you becoming a Father?:confused: You do know that General does generally hate christianity right?

LOL, yes, I realize that. I also asked a Catholic forum, but I dunno, I like to have as balanced of a view as possible.

What do priests do?

I only see them preach.

Go for it. If that's what you feel like doing then do it. Don't let anyone hold you back. Your life, your dreams not someone elses.

LOL, yes, I realize that. I also asked a Catholic forum, but I dunno, I like to have as balanced of a view as possible.
Still, we hate Christianity just about as much as we hate Nazi's (or as of late Muslims). You are going to need more than one Catholic forum to balance us out. [/Enflating NS General's Collective Ego]

So I guess running a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or school is brain washer?
Well, a school certainly is. As for the others, if its done the Catholic way it will be.
Google Goldenhar Syndrome, because knowledge is power. And You'd think after six ear surgery and three jaw surgery would kinda cover up the fact that I was born diffrent. Hmmm, well, thats about 2 million dollars wasted.
Sucks.

You are asking General about what they think about you becoming a Father?:confused: You do know that General does generally hate christianity right?

Not as much as they generally hate Islam.

And for the most part, what you see as Christian Hate is directed specifically towards what is perceived as Fundamentalist Baptist Manifest Destiny as seen in the form of United States foreign policy and the Project for the New American Century.

What do priests do?

I only see them preach.

Preach, help out the community, run the church, reasearch for their next sermon.

Go for it. If that's what you feel like doing then do it. Don't let anyone hold you back. Your life, your dreams not someone elses.

Eh thats the problem though, It's kinda strange without sounding like a kook. But back when Pope John Paul II died (May God rest his soul), I started thinking about the priesthood, and I was attracted to the idea of being a father. It went away, and every once in a while I would feel the calling. During that time I pursued the education route and wanting to be a history teacher. But now that I've seen "the Laramine Project" with that kind heart warming Father in it, the calling has come back. I dunno, I guess another part of it is the materialisim. I guess the prospect of being poor does scare me alittle.

Preach, help out the community, run the church, reasearch for their next sermon.
You forgot about giving the general public looks that indicate that you are ashamed of their actions, and getting offended.

You forgot about giving the general public looks that indicate that you are ashamed of their actions, and getting offended.

You know NOTHING about the Catholic Church do ya?

You know NOTHING about the Catholic Church do ya?
From the TWO times I have been in a Protestant Church, I assure you that I know more about the Catholic Church than you (a soon to be Father).

From the TWO times I have been in a Protestant Church, I assure you that I know more about the Catholic Church than you (a soon to be Father).

Uh huh... :rolleyes:

First off, I would like to say damn (or thank you) to "The Laramine Project", which was a movie about the death of Matthew Shepard. In the movie a group of film makers that goes to the small town of Laramine. They interviewed people that was connected to either the two guy who committed the crime or Shepard. One of the person they interviewed was a father (Catholic Priest). This father was nice, caring, and he actually condemmed the attack on Matthew. He was very helpful. After seeing this film, it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. Now for a little background information! On April of 2005 when Pope John Paul II has died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected to power, I had the feeling of being called. All through my life, I have always admired and befriended the Fathers that passed my church. Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.

If it's what you want, go for it. As for looking for clear answers, spending a few days in a monastery might also be a good indoctrination into a full-time religious vocation, just to see how you feel about it.

From the TWO times I have been in a Protestant Church, I assure you that I know more about the Catholic Church than you (a soon to be Father).
I call bullshit.

I call bullshit.

me too.

I call bullshit.
You sir, know your bullshit.

You forgot about giving the general public looks that indicate that you are ashamed of their actions, and getting offended.

Oh, come now. I have a lot of issues with the Catholic church, but there are many, many nice and good priests out there. And as for this supposed shame and offense, I can tell you that the priest who married my brother also attended his bachelor's party, and helpfully offered to leave his dog-collar at home lest it "cramp their style." Pretty judgmental, no? :p

Oh, come now. I have a lot of issues with the Catholic church, but there are many, many nice and good priests out there. And as for this supposed shame and offense, I can tell you that the priest who married my brother also attended his bachelor's party, and helpfully offered to leave his dog-collar at home lest it "cramp their style." Pretty judgmental, no? :p
That was the intent, :p.

That was the intent, :p.

Excellent. I approve heartily of :p.

(On these forums, one is never entirely sure...)

. . Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.


Ordinarily, I wouldnt say this to anyone, but since you asked for input in an open forum...
Judging by much of what you post, I dont believe you have any business giving spiritual advice, or that of any other kind, to anyone.

From the TWO times I have been in a Protestant Church, I assure you that I know more about the Catholic Church than you (a soon to be Father).
I just don't understand Canadians.
I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.
I would suggest a lot more than isolated contemplation in the mountains.

The captain of my cricket team is a reverend, while I work at a place called Hell Pizza. We joke about having to work weekends..


Sorry, that had nothing to do with this thread, except that not all religious leaders shove crap down your throat.

*looks up Goldenhar Syndrome*

No offence, but I think I'll keep the Asperger's, thanks.

... it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. .. I had the feeling of being called. ... Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now ... the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. ...I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.

I'm not going to elaborate on my (negative) stance on religion and church, because this really doesn't matter on this subject.
It is your life, not mine, and therefore it's about what'd make you happy, not what'd make me happy seeing you do.

My hostmother is a damn bright woman, and she went to college to study Russian and political science, and her family invested lots of money in her education, looking forward to some reputational career of hers.
In her last year in college, she experienced what she refers to as "being called". I have, despite long talks, never been able to udnerstood what that really meant, but it was powerful enough for her to give up college, disappoint and offend her family deeply, and start the path leading to priesthood.
She's an Episcopal priest now, and she's so damn happy. She's balanced, she's fulfilled, and that's not what I call wasting a life.

So..I have no way of knowing your motives, SB. Make sure you don't act on an impulse, if it's for real, go for it. Just..look, I've seen you start a lot of bitter threads here in General, don't do it in order to escape the worldly world. Don't use it as a refuge, and not as a way to show people that you are better than them in their wicked, petty lives.

So..I have no way of knowing your motives, SB. Make sure you don't act on an impulse, if it's for real, go for it. Just..look, I've seen you start a lot of bitter threads here in General, don't do it in order to escape the worldly world. Don't use it as a refuge, and not as a way to show people that you are better than them in their wicked, petty lives.
What I tried to express. Listen to this person!

I'm not sure that there are many people here who even begin to comprehend what you are considering. As far as I can tell, with regard to faith these forums generally consist of two types; the atheist, who believes that there is no such thing as morality and that you should do whatever the hell you like, and the fundamentalist, which needs little explanation. There are either very few moderate, liberal Christians or they do not speak up nearly enough.

The reason I mention this is because the responses to your posts have all been along the lines of 'if it's what YOU want to do, then do it'. Anyone with any understanding/respect for the Christian faith will know that what YOU want to do is, at best, a side issue; it is what God wants you to do, and those who are called are left with the choice of either rejecting this or embracing it and leading the possibly difficult life God has chosen.

I know many priests and clergy, and having spent much of my life in and around Church of England Theological Training Colleges (don't ask why, it's a long story) I have also been with people as they prepare for ministry. Despite what people say here about priests being either lunatics or child molesters I know that they are wonderful people who are quite capable of being 'ordinary' to go down the pub with.

I cannot possibly tell you whether you truly are being called; that is a matter solely between you and God. I understand that it is a confusing and soul searching question to have to deal with, but given time I'm sure you will come to the right answer.

I hope it all goes well for you.

So..I have no way of knowing your motives, SB. Make sure you don't act on an impulse, if it's for real, go for it. Just..look, I've seen you start a lot of bitter threads here in General, don't do it in order to escape the worldly world. Don't use it as a refuge, and not as a way to show people that you are better than them in their wicked, petty lives.

Trust me, if I go into the priesthood, it's not because I want to escape the world world, but to emerge myself into it and to be a part of my community, and I wouldn't use my powers and authority to be judgemental. I would use it to help out my fellow man and to spread goodwill. I'm not going to become one of those fire and brimstone priest.

I'm not sure that there are many people here who even begin to comprehend what you are considering. As far as I can tell, with regard to faith these forums generally consist of two types; the atheist, who believes that there is no such thing as morality and that you should do whatever the hell you like, and the fundamentalist, which needs little explanation. There are either very few moderate, liberal Christians or they do not speak up nearly enough.

The reason I mention this is because the responses to your posts have all been along the lines of 'if it's what YOU want to do, then do it'. Anyone with any understanding/respect for the Christian faith will know that what YOU want to do is, at best, a side issue; it is what God wants you to do, and those who are called are left with the choice of either rejecting this or embracing it and leading the possibly difficult life God has chosen.

That is one of the issuses I've been dealing with. I am a devoult Catholic. I help out with Sunday School, I go to mass every Saturday night, I donate to my church, and I even help Father Gray sometimes. I do not want to reject God's plan for me, only to understand it better. That why I wsa thinking isolation for a while, so that I won't be distracted by all of this and can communicate with God and Jesus better. I dunno, I mean I've been around Fathers probably my whole life and they were all charming, compassion, caring, kind, gentle etc. They were the closes thing to saints I've seen. I guess I am afraid that I will not measure up if I become a father myself.

I know many priests and clergy, and having spent much of my life in and around Church of England Theological Training Colleges (don't ask why, it's a long story) I have also been with people as they prepare for ministry. Despite what people say here about priests being either lunatics or child molesters I know that they are wonderful people who are quite capable of being 'ordinary' to go down the pub with.

What people tend to forget that beneath the collar, and the black clothes, they're in boxers. lol. Seriously though, Fathers are just human being like you and me. I think people tend to forget that every once in a while.

I cannot possibly tell you whether you truly are being called; that is a matter solely between you and God. I understand that it is a confusing and soul searching question to have to deal with, but given time I'm sure you will come to the right answer.

All I need is time and patience.

I hope it all goes well for you.

Me too, and thank you for your kind words of wisdom.

First off, I would like to say damn (or thank you) to "The Laramine Project", which was a movie about the death of Matthew Shepard. In the movie a group of film makers that goes to the small town of Laramine. They interviewed people that was connected to either the two guy who committed the crime or Shepard. One of the person they interviewed was a father (Catholic Priest). This father was nice, caring, and he actually condemmed the attack on Matthew. He was very helpful. After seeing this film, it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. Now for a little background information! On April of 2005 when Pope John Paul II has died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected to power, I had the feeling of being called. All through my life, I have always admired and befriended the Fathers that passed my church. Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.

Just as long as you keep in mind that Church authorities have a nasty habit of condemning people more than helping them.

Actually, I am often strongly opposed to the new Pope's positions on almost every subject. The only reason why I'm still part of the catholic church is my knowledge that most men of faith are very decent, caring, helpful, non-judgemental persons. Thank God the leaders of the Church aren't representative of all the members of the organization.

Here, advice is worth what you pay for it. Not that using this forum is worthless, by any means. Sometimes just formulating a problem gives away the answer. But if you're still having a hard time with the decision, remember it doesn't need to be made right away. Take you time, talk to folks that have opinions that you value. Go talk to your priest.

Whatever happens, good luck. God can always use another good man.

Just as long as you keep in mind that Church authorities have a nasty habit of condemning people more than helping them.

Actually, I am often strongly opposed to the new Pope's positions on almost every subject. The only reason why I'm still part of the catholic church is my knowledge that most men of faith are very decent, caring, helpful, non-judgemental persons. Thank God the leaders of the Church aren't representative of all the members of the organization.

I do agree that the Catholic Church does need to re-vamp it's system of authority. At least clean it out. I think that anyone who tried to hide the pedophile priest should've been fired no matter if they're Bishop, Arch-Bishop or higher. The Church is corrupted, I'll give you that.

Hey, Stone Bridges, if you feel called, then follow your calling. I'm not a religious man, but I know the urge to do something that the rest of the world puzzles over because you feel you have to.

All I ask is that if you do become a priest, that you really follow the example of the Priest you say inspired you--the one who was accepting of Matthew Shepard. You may have trouble doing that in Pope Benedict's church, however, given his harsh stand on homosexuality.

The church gets a lot of shit around here, and some of it is deserved, but if you feel that's your way of giving back to humanity, then by all means follow it. You can give back a lot more if you use that position wisely than most of the ignorant fucks around here ever will. (Not saying that everyone here is an ignorant fuck--I'm speaking of the subgroup of ignorant fucks specifically. You know who you are.)

the atheist, who believes that there is no such thing as morality and that you should do whatever the hell you like,

That is a generalisation that Athiests are immoral and criminal people - with no moral concerns or conscience, merely because they have no religion. Just because someone is an Athiest doesn't mean that they have no problem with people stealing, murdering, and commiting adultery.

No religion =/= no morals

I do agree that the Catholic Church does need to re-vamp it's system of authority. At least clean it out. I think that anyone who tried to hide the pedophile priest should've been fired no matter if they're Bishop, Arch-Bishop or higher. The Church is corrupted, I'll give you that.
As long as you realize that already, I must assume you're ready to brave that and fight to change it from within. If that is your goal, then I commend you and encourage you on this path.

I personally don't have the patience in face of such hypocrisy to fight the good fight, even if only as a simple member of the church.

How could anything I say move someone who holds as sacred truth that what two consenting adults in love with each other do in bed is a grave and unforgivable sin, but close their eyes on rape and abuse of helpless children or even take an active hand at concealing and protecting the culprits?

Changing this from the inside may prove impossible. I've had a long, very enlightening conversation with the father of my local church about this, once. A great man, that father. He confessed to me how seemingly impossible it is for him and other open-minded men of faith to show those self-righteous Bishops and Archbishops and Cardinals that they can be, and indeed are, wrong on many of the issues on which they're so adamantly positionned(such as homosexuality, contraception, or even the place of women in the church).

Whatever you choose, don't forget never to be blinded by arrogance and prejudice. Don't forget that the most important thing about christianism is to love the other, not judge him.

If there's a god out there, you seem like the kind of person he'd be proud to have helping out his people. Best of luck!

First off, I would like to say damn (or thank you) to "The Laramine Project", which was a movie about the death of Matthew Shepard. In the movie a group of film makers that goes to the small town of Laramine. They interviewed people that was connected to either the two guy who committed the crime or Shepard. One of the person they interviewed was a father (Catholic Priest). This father was nice, caring, and he actually condemmed the attack on Matthew. He was very helpful. After seeing this film, it brought back some old feelings. A feeling about me entering into the priesthood. Now for a little background information! On April of 2005 when Pope John Paul II has died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected to power, I had the feeling of being called. All through my life, I have always admired and befriended the Fathers that passed my church. Ever since I became more aware of the Catholic faith, I felt like I was being called. Now with the death of Pope John Paul II and with Pope Benedict XVI coming to power, the feelings has become stronger and it has made itself known to me. With America drifting from God and the shortage of Fathers in the USA. I know I'm speaking to a very diversed community, but I dunno, I feel like I can expose myself to yall and hear yall's opinion.

I think maybe if I isolate myself in nature (the mountains) I would get a clearer answear.


hey I'll just say that even though ill admit i'm not the biggest religion fan out there, but I do believe that everyone has their own path, and no matter what it is as long s it makes you happy and feel that your life is in balance, then go for it. Because the most important thing in life is hapiness. So Stone Bridges if being a father is what makes you happy, then dammit man go do it!

Just make sure theres an open space for me in heaven, because I've said some shit in my life and i'll have some explainin to do when i get there :D