In the first Vocations eLetter I quoted Pope John Paul II on three reasons why it is hard for young men to embrace a religious vocation: "Fear of commitment, lack of a clear understanding of this calling, and a deficient relationship with Jesus Christ." This month I would like to offer some practical advice...

Please make sure you take a quick look at all the old Vocation eLetters, some of the topics I will be mentioning this month have been covered in those past eLetters.

If you are at the level of calling and visiting religious orders, then I think that you should be trying to do the following:

At least Mass every Sunday - more regularly when possible. Regular daily prayer - some or all of the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration and the Rosary are highly recommended. You cannot discern if you do not have a regular prayer life - how could you hear what God is saying?!

You should be making regular use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (I often recommend monthly or more when needed). You should be trying to help with some type of ministry/outreach. Monthly meetings with a spiritual director is a must.

You can not seriously discern a vocation to the priesthood or religious life while you are dating a girl. Maybe I will offer a more in depth discussion on this topic in the future. I (among many others) seriously question the ability to clearly hear the voice of the Lord in this area when you are already dating a girl. Dating often clouds the heart when trying to discern. Also, it is not fair (or charitable) to drag some girl along while you figure things out. You need interior freedom to discern between the state of marriage and the religious state. We all have a normal and natural desire for women and marriage. A religious calling is an invitation to give up that great good for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

You must also be free from addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling and PORNOGRAPHY. Any of these addictions, especially the last one, will hinder or block your ability to discern and your ability to offer a mature and free "yes" to God's call. Occasional slips are another question - we rely on the Lord's Divine Mercy. I hope that I am not being overly negative this month. This is what the Lord has put on my heart for this eLetter. I firmly believe in all the above for guys who are at the level of calling and visiting religious orders.

We are praying for you and your discernment everyday, especially on Wednesdays. May the Lord give you the grace to know His plan for your life and the courage to follow Jesus wherever He is calling you! The harvest is ripe! Let us set our hands to the plow in the Lord's vineyard and not look back! Let is pray for the grace to overcome the fear of commitment.

Any idea what animal this is???!!!-›