General Questions
What if I feel unworthy ?
Then you are in good company. Simon Peter told Jesus, "Depart from me, for I am sinful man." Yet Jesus called him. No one is actually "worthy". We don't earn God's call. Jesus said, "It is not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last. (Jn. 15:16)
How do I go about making this decision?
The process of working out where you are called is known as discernment. Discernment is a process of listening to inner movements and learning to sift out what is from God and what is not from God. Please refer to the "Discernment" section for a fuller explanation of the discernment process.
Will I have to give up friends and family in order to join?
No, in fact friends and family are a very important support for priests, sisters, and brothers. However, the demands of the people of God or; a religious community get priority in terms of your time and energy. In this sense you "let go" of family and friends. Remember Jesus' promise in the Gospel according to Matthew: "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." Mt. 19:29.
What if I'm afraid of making a permanent commitment?
Seminary and initial formation give you the time and space to really see if priesthood or religious life fit before you make any kind of commitment. What is most important is to stay in conversation with God. No matter what twists and turns it takes, you will be faithful in the end to whatever commitment you are called to live out.
What if one of my personal beliefs clash with that of the institutional church?
Do you think that St. Martin de Porres, the mixed-race Peruvian slave who doctored and fed the poor of Lima, was comfortable with the institutional Church's position on slavery? There are great saints who challenged the institutional Church during their lifetimes, and great Catholics today who do the same. There is a prophetic dimension to our Catholic tradition.
If I am on vacation or just moved, how do I find a church near me?
You can call 1-800-Mass-Time throughout the United States, and a computerized voice will give the five nearest church locations, their phone numbers, mass times, and the language of the masses.
Is there a list of Vocation Events for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles?
Yes, there is such a list! Should you wish to have a hard copy mailed to you, please contact the Office for Vocations at 213 637 7248 OR If you want to download your own PDF copy now, click on the following link: Vocation Events List 2007-08 and print all or as many pages as you need.
