Holy Orders is a covenant made between a man and God, where a man commits his life in service to God and to the Catholic Church.  Holy Orders, like the other sacrament of vocation, marriage, is connected to Baptism, in that it is the conscious life given in service, as a way to live out one’s baptismal call. 

The sacrament involves a signing with oil, just as is done in baptism and confirmation, signifying the special character taken on through this commitment.  In this sacrament, one promises to live in the person of Christ, offering Christ’s presence to humanity through the gift of the sacraments.  The priest commits to the threefold munera, or offices of Christ, as priest, prophet, and king.  This means that the ordained priest has special responsibilities to lead, teach, and sanctify.  Holy Orders marks one’s commitment to lead people to God’s love and mercy, to help unite people to live Christ’s call to build a just world, and to bring Christ’s offer of hope, love, and mercy to the world at every moment in time, and in all places of the world. 

If you have ever thought about being a priest, these signs may be clues to a future priestly vocation:

1. God has placed in your heart a desire to be a priest.

If Jesus has placed a desire in your heart for priesthood, no matter what your age, don’t ignore it.  Talk to a priest you admire about how you feel.

2. You have a deep love for Christ and His Church.

A priest functions in persona Christi capitas—in the person of Christ, head of the Church.  Thus a man who wants to be a priest must love Jesus Christ above all else.  And like Jesus, he should have a deep love for the Church, the Bride of Christ.  In general, a man who wants to be a priest will find himself drawn to Church teachings and “all things Catholic.”

3. Other people have mentioned that you would be a good priest.

Often other people will notice a “priest’s heart” in a young man and say to him, “Have you ever thought about being a priest?  I think you’d make a good one.”  In fact, many men report that they grew tired of people making such comments—but that the encouragement eventually led them to seminary!

4. You desire to live a life of virtue and prayer.

Pope Benedict spoke about what people expect of their priests.  To paraphrase, he said that people do not expect priests to be experts in anything but the spiritual life. Thus, a good candidate for priesthood attends Mass, prays frequently, receives the sacrament of Confession, serves others, and strives to grow spiritually.

5. You want to help others grow closer to Christ.

A priest brings Jesus to people and people to Jesus.  For this reason, a man who wants to be a priest must have a deep concern for the people of God.  He wants to help them grow in holiness; he wants to teach them the truths of the faith; he wants to minster to them during the trials of life.  The vocation of priesthood is about leading others to heaven.

If you’ve thought about the possibility of priesthood, but don’t yet have all these signs and qualities, don’t despair!  All people must strive for holiness.  And future priests go through a long and intensive formation period, precisely to help them grow in virtue and be effective in their ministry.

If God is calling you to work in His vineyard, please see one of the Parish priests.