Discerning: College

God's call does come to college students. Sometimes it is just a continuation of a call that started in high school or even before. It is a "tug" on the heart towards priesthood or religious life that just won't go away. Sometimes it is reinforced by some kind of campus ministry involvement.

Many others have this experience. They thought of a religious vocation years ago and it died either at puberty or when it came time to choose a career. The smell of perfume and the lure of big money seemed more attractive than any thoughts of priesthood. As college wears on, for many, the chosen major begins to lose appeal. It was nice, but not what you want. You have lived outside the home for a while and life in the "fast lane" is beginning to seem shallow and not satisfying. Then, guess what? The thought of priesthood comes back, and back. It won't go away.

If you are a college student and the idea of priesthood or religious life has returned and maybe even grown stronger, this is an indication that God is truly calling you.

What should you do now? Here are some places to start:

Go to mass frequently, perhaps daily
Receive reconciliation at least monthly
Begin to talk with a priest or religious figure
Go with some friends to visit a seminary college.
Check it out. Notice the quality of the guys there.

ASK.
How many times have you had to justify your studies to those supporting you? They challenge you to lead a productive life, to contribute. God challenges you in a similar way. He gives you life and challenges you to live in love and service. How you live is up to you. Will you live as a single person? Married to one person? Or married to the community as a priest or religious man or woman? What clues has God given you to decide the path to fulfillment? Your gifts, talents, friends, family, prayer and even random strangers can all be signposts along your road to discernment.

LISTEN.
"Before the foundation of the world, the Father chose us to be holy in Christ, according to the purpose he has for all things."
Ephesians 1:4-11

Prayer is essential to your search for God's call to you. Only if you are speaking with God, can God speak with you.

"Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."

If you do not live out your calling, it will forever go unanswered. A singular crucial force in the development of humanity will be lost.

ACT.
So, are you thinking? Good. Now, about that next step ... here are four things to get you started.

• Pray. But how? You can only do so many "Our Father's" and "Hail Mary's." But we still need to talk to God and — this is important — listen to him.
• Get Involved. Become part of the activities, liturgies, and service projects in your local parish or campus ministry.