He Wants to Become a Priest
He Wants to Become a Priest
Question:
I want to become a priest. But no one knows me among the priests or the congregation, and I have a Bachelor’s degree from the Clerical College. What do you advise me?
Answer:
1- The first point is that we proceed in the ordination of priests according to the principle: “The people have the right to choose their shepherd.”
Therefore, the congregation of one of the churches where you could be ordained as a priest must recommend you. So would they recommend someone they do not know?
2- As for your saying that you are not known by the priests or by the congregation, this means that you have not served among them during your discipleship at the Clerical College, nor before that, nor after that. This implies that your studies at the Clerical College were theoretical studies, without practical service!! And this is not a sound situation.
3- Therefore, I advise you to serve, whether in preaching, Sunday Schools, or youth service, along with another service in visitation and caring for the poor, and serving the villages. And grow in service until the congregation knows you and chooses you for the priesthood. This is because we cannot impose upon the congregation a person unknown to them to be a priest of the church.
4- The matter of selection for the priesthood proceeds gradually, until the congregation understands it and becomes reassured about the person. It should not be one leap: from an unknown person to the church to the leader of its spiritual life.
5- Merely having a Clerical College certificate is not enough; practical experience in service is necessary.
But how easy it is for a clerical student to use his certificate in theological work, in writing, for example. As for pastoral work, it requires gradual growth in service.
6- An important question I would like to ask you is:
Did your love for service in the priesthood come to you suddenly? Or have you had it for a long time? And why have you never served in the church before?
My son: Climb the ladder from its very first step, and in this way you can reach the top.
7- Likewise, you can present the matter to your father of confession, so that you may learn his opinion. Also, make it a subject of your prayers, so that the Lord may reveal His will to you.
8- There is another important matter: Are you married? And if you have a wife, does she agree to your being ordained a priest? If God opens this door…
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