Q. Can or should a person enter a seminary without knowing for sure whether he is called to be a priest?
A.  A man can only be 100% certain that he is called to the priesthood at the moment of priestly ordination.  Up until that point, he may engage in gradual discernment.  It is sufficient that [...]

[Read more →]

by Therese Ivers, JCL
In one of the states of the US that I grew up in, there is a convent.  In that convent are women dressed in habits.  They make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience… and they live austerely.  They claim to belong to an ancient and revered Order.  But, they are not nuns, [...]

[Read more →]

By Therese Ivers

One of the most frequent topics people discerning their vocation have several questions about is on vows and promises. As most people enter their vocation by means of a vow or vows, this topic is of great importance.

To begin with, all Catholics by virtue of their baptismal promises, have the obligation [...]

[Read more →]

by Therese Ivers, JCL
Way back in September, I was asked to help with an upcoming retreat for women discerning their vocations and who feel like they’re beating their heads on the wall “discerning to death”.  This topic really resonated with me, and as I continue to prepare for this weekend’s retreat, I am seeing [...]

[Read more →]

by Therese Ivers, JCL
Is the vocation to the priesthood objectively higher than that to the married state? How do you know if your vocation is to be a priest, a mother, a sister, or a brother? Versatile paper napkins doubled as writing pads for some who needed to quickly scribble a diagram or note and [...]

[Read more →]