Anthony Moran’s Reviews > To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood > Status Update

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 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!