To save a thousand souls : a guide to discerning a vocation to diocesan priesthood

"Includes Melchizedek Project discussion guide."--P. [1] of cover. CONTENTS Foreword.................................................................. ...............vii Acknowledgements............... xi Introduction..................................... 1 CHAPTER 1: CHAPTER 2: Chapter3: Chapter4: CHAPTER 5: This Is Just What Priests Do!...............................5 The Sacred Power of Priesthood........................23 What Is a Vocation in the First Place?.............. 37 God Said Go and I Said No................................61 Signs of a Vocation to Priesthood and Characteristics of a Good Candidate......... 77 Developing a Spiritual Plan of Life.................109 The Importance of A Spiritual Director.......... 123 Hearing the Voice of G od.......................... 135 The Seven Stages of a Diligent Discernment... 151 CHAPTER 6: CHAPTER 7: CHAPTER 8: CHAPTER 9: Ch a pt e r 10: Practical Ideas for Discerning Diocesan Priesthood................................................... 159 CHAPTER 11: The Blessed Virgin Mary and CHAPTER12: CHAPTER13: CHAPTER 14: CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER16: CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 18: Chapter 19: Discernment Fears............................................187 HowDoITellMyParentsThatIWant To Be a Priest?...................................................205 Celibacy, Chastity, Charity, and Cheerfulness..............................................215 My Path to Priesthood: When Do I Start?......257 The Application and Admissions Process......281 WhatisSeminaryLike?...................................297 Prerequisites and Impediments to Diocesan Priesthood........................................321 Special Assignments for Diocesan Priests..... 337 OrdinationDay................................................353 Rosary for Discerning Diocesan Priesthood..........................365 Notes........................................................................................385 Recommended Reading.........................................................385 Index of Questions..................................................................389 The Melchizedek Project Discussion Guide......................... 410 Offers guidance in discerning a call to the priesthood, covering such topics as: hearing the voice of God, the importance of a spiritual director, life in the seminary, and ordination day A comprehensive guide for a man thinking about the possibility of becoming a Catholic priest