High School
At no other time will you have to think so seriously about what you want to do with your life. Dozens of options will present themselves to you in the coming years. Colleges, career paths, technical schools, military life… it can be difficult at times to break through the sheer volume of noise. Friends and family will suggest things you may be suited for, and some of them may even have suggested a religious vocation.
Before you brush this suggestion off as yet one more of the things pulling you in every direction, you should seriously consider the option. Are you finding that the prospect of a “normal” career is unsatisfying? Do you feel like you aren’t being presented with an option that allows you to find happiness while serving others? Do you wish you could clearly see the presence of God in the path you choose to walk? If you find yourself thinking these things, a priestly vocation might be in God’s plan for you.
Don’t worry that you are not good enough for the priesthood; no one is. We have all been called by God to serve Him, and it is only by answering this call that we prove ourselves worthy to do so. You probably don’t have all the talents necessary for the job today, but this is a long path full of opportunities to learn and grow. God will give you the gifts you need.
If you feel conflicted about your options, it is because you are choosing between good things. All vocations across all walks of life can serve God and the Church in their own way. It is never easy, but working through a hard decision can make you even more certain of your choice. Think hard about what will make you truly happy, and make sure you pray daily for the courage and generosity to do whatever God has called you to do. Make sure to leave time for silence, or you might miss His response.