Anthony Moran > Recent Status Updates

The Forward by Fr. Rippenger was interesting, speaking about the work of the Fathers assigned to assist with exorcisms and deliverance work. He mentioned how not all deliverance needs exorcisms. Dan Schneider's preface relating to the story of David and Goliath and how it related to spiritual warfare was also a great start to this book.

Chapter 18 reviewed specialized assignments that a bishop can appoint a priest to, such as chancellor, vocations director, or a member of the diocesan curia. Then they are also chaplains for hospitals, catholic schools, and even the military.

Chapter 17 covered the prerequisites to become a priest, and also the chapter discussed the canonical and non-canonical impediments that might delay a candidate's ordination. He says not to be discouraged, as long as you're honest, you can receive an episcopal or papal dispensation.

Chapter 16 covered what seminary is like and what classes a person might take during certain years. Father Brett also spoke on the importance of the 4 principles of formation that seminarians should follow and keep improving on during their time in the seminary. He also spoke on that it's okay to leave the seminary if God has determined you should not be a priest.

Chapter 15 spoke about the process of applying to the Diocese and to Seminary. Father Brett reminded us to never lie on the application and be honest with your vocation Director and the bishop.

Chapter 14 discussed when to attend a seminary and when to wait. Father Brett used the analogy of an apple being either ripe or not ripe, but it can also rot. He also discussed the various tracks to the seminary. I fit into one of the tracks he mentioned, which is a person who recently graduated from college and is now discerning my call before entering seminary.

Chapter 13 spoke more about chastity, celibacy, charity, and cheerfulness, and breaking down how one should become and not become a priest based on their sexuality. It was a tough chapter to get through as it really is very detailed. Father Brett said to be honest with your vocation director about everything, as it is better to be honest than to lie and get kicked out of the seminary and not become a priest.

Chapter 12 discusses the concerns that parents will have when they tell them that they are thinking about becoming a priest and want to attend a seminary. They like those discerning will have fears and anxiety from this decision. However, once you are of emancipation age, you are no longer required to obey your parents, so even if they are not supportive now, in time, they may be.

Chapter 11 talks about the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a person's vocation discernment, as she is known as the Mother of Priests. Father Brett encourages those in discernment to have a devotion to the Blessed Mother. He also discusses the common fears that most men have while discerning. I identified one or two while I was reading but I am sure I have more that I don't know about yet.

Chapter 10 discusses the seven stages of discernment and how God might use other methods to help you discern your vocation in life, either the priesthood or marriage. Also, for those who are seminarians who are still struggling, Fr. Brett recommends that you submit it to the church and let your bishop decide for you. He also tells you to learn more about the Diocese you want to discern for and the people in it.

Chapter 9 discussed the seven stages of the discernment process and how to determine what stage the reader is currently on. I feel that I am between stages 3 and 4, which is called the "Assessment Period" and "Discernment Shift." However, I need to work on building up my prayer life and meet more with my spiritual director to address things and seek out the sacrament of reconciliation more often.

Chapter 8 discussed how to be able to discern God's voice from the other voices of the world, which are the world, yourself, and Satan. Father Brett says to spend more time in silent prayer if you truly want to listen to the voice of God, as he is very soft spoken, as discernment is not a commandment, so he will not use a booming voice like he did with the Israelites. Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening!

This was a short yet inspiring chapter on spiritual direction. Since reading this book, I have desired to pray more, not just for myself but for others in life, like my parents, my priests, and those close to my vocational journey. I also need to set up a spiritual direction meeting with my spiritual director, as it has been some time since we last spoke.

I just began reading Chapter 7, which talks about the importance of having a spiritual director. While I have my spiritual director currently, it is good to learn more about spiritual direction and what i can and should not talk to my spiritual director about.

Just finished the chapter on making a spiritual plan and how to spend more time praying and talking with Jesus but also learning to listen for Jesus and God as you talk with them. I would like to work with my spiritual director to try and make a good spiritual plan that I can commit to and follow. It's hard to find time to pray but that could also just be laziness getting in the way.

Just wrapped up Chapter 5, which discussed 20 characteristics that a person discerning the priesthood should have. Now working on filling out the discernment quiz from the book. I took a picture and am going to fill it out and send it to my vocational director and spiritual directors to get their feedback on it and work to improve these areas that I lack.

The chapter I’m reading speaks about 20 essential characteristics often found in those called to the priesthood. As I prayerfully reflect on the first few, I can’t help but feel a stirring in my heart—perhaps the Lord truly is calling me. It’s humbling, even a bit awe-inspiring, to see how closely these qualities resonate with my own journey.

The chapter on the various states in life (vocations) has helped me understand vocations a little more, and I've come to realize that it's okay to say "No" to God, but I also know that if God wants me, He will find a way to get me to become a priest.

I just finished the chapter on how the priesthood, mainly through the sacrament of holy orders, leaves an indelible mark on the soul of a person who becomes a priest. I am now on the chapter dedicated to exploring the various types of vocations outside of the priesthood, such as married life, religious life, perpetual virginity/celibacy.

Learning about the three orders of priesthood (deacon, priest, and bishop) slowly working on chapter 2

Just started Chapter 2 talking more about what a priest does

Chapter 1 is done. Very interesting especially the stories from priest.

I just started reading this book, at the recommendation of my diocesean vocations director. I am excited to see what this book has to offer towards my discernment process, especially, I want to see what the holy spirit will show me during this book as well.