I'm 63 and still trying to figure out my vocation. I haven't listened enough to God's call in my life. I am a father and a grandfather, but I pray for discernment every day. I hope my new vocation will be living near my grandchildren and being a godly and kind presence in their lives for as long as the Lord sees fit for me to live. I esp hope to grow in my life with Christ through my family, friends, and co-workers.
If you are a man, the requirements are not as restrictive. There are men who have not become priests until after 60… search on youtube. The Catholic Church is more restrictive to ages unfortunately… there are callings far beyond priest nun monk and being married. Its sort of interesting because woman tend to live far longer than men. Its interesting regardless. Every situation is unique and should be considered as unique as each person.
If you worry that you may have missed your call (though it still might not be too late to respond) then just focus on doing God's Holy Will. Have that as your priority and daily surrender to it. I believe that desire helps immensely in the anxiety of wasting our lives and missing or God-given call.
Looks like your vocation is as a parent, and now grandparent. “Vocation” is this sense is not a career, but your state in life: family life, or priesthood/religious life. Embrace your vocation as parent and grandparent, and everything else will begin to seem insignificant. That’s my experience, at any rate.
In our area in Colorado, USA, we have a wonderful priest who’s dad became a priest and has a brother who became a priest. His dad lost his wife in 2004 and finished raising his children and became a priest. The dad was a deacon when he was married. This is so marvelous.
We have been so blessed with men in mature ages becoming deacons. They went back to college and still were working full time to study to become deacons. Thank you Lord ❤️
YOU. SPOKE. TO. MY. HEART! To clarify: I felt poor feeling happy to be an altar server. I thought I was being complacent in my peace and satisfaction of upkeeping the altar as a server during before, during, and after Mass. I also saw altar boys, but no altar men so to speak. So in a way, I also felt childish. The chapel I go to is very small, very modest, and has very few children. When I saw the older priest (he's 74) struggling to conduct Mass on his own, I really just wanted to help. This has opened my eyes to many of practices and traditions. And I constantly want to up my game, learn the many ways to honor God at the altar, in a devotional room (Monstrance), and help (instead of criticize) the things that are lacking within more modern Catholic altar practices. Thank you Fr Columba. Something about this spicy, snarky talk really helped me to understand what my heart has been trying to express in my love for God. Thank you, and God bless you! 🕊🙏🏽
Thank you for this!!! I’ve been having some anxiety about this topic and my heart is encouraged as you remind us of God’s love for us, His goodness, and the fact that He will speak through our desires. God Bless
Funny thing (relevant to the "Discern when young" section of the video). Back home in Iceland, a popular term for "retirement" is "seating oneself in holy stone" (or "setjast í helgan stein"). "Holy stone" (or "helgan stein" -that's the accusative, the nominative is "helgur steinn") is another word for monastery; they were one of the few stone buildings in Iceland back then, and they were holy. So... old people, too old to take care of their farm, they would look to join a monastery (or a nunnery, I suppose) and spend their last few years there.
@@kateleurs5012 I mean, I could think of worse places to spend my last few years, really. Once I'm done with my "worldly duties", to just be allowed to stay in a monastery, rather than at a retirement home...
Bless you Father ✝️ I wish the church would reconsider the age cut off. There are many faithful who don’t know their calling until later in life, and life experience will allow them to more fully submit to the ordained life.
I wish I'd heard that 20, even 10 years ago. My discernment process was very difficult, found it hard to get sufficient help and advice especially positive and encouraging in a general nature. I received only indifference or even opposition from my family, though not from all but mostly. (I am from Sydney).
For years and years I've *wanted to want* a monastic vocation; I've wanted to feel called. I find contemplative life utterly fascinating; I've read about it, visited a monastery, prayed the hours. I should pray more on it, but at over 35, and not having the best history with authority, it seems unlikely now. But, as one of the monastery sites said about this exact issue: "there is no limit on God's grace".
I haven’t analyzed my heart fully yet. But what I do know is this, I fear not getting married, not having children. But at the same time, I feel a longing to work The LORDs field, and bring people to CHRIST, humbly for GOD just as the friars do. However I’m currently studying engineering under a scholarship which my boss gave me.. he’s paying for my education. How could I abandon him? I believe GOD gave me this opportunity aswell.. I’ve always wanted to make and build things but I also want to be an instrument of GOD.. I want to give myself fully to GOD… I just don’t know how to do it, maybe I believe it has to be in an extraordinary way, but as you said “I want what GOD wants.” I often find myself saying that… say a quick little prayer for me and the youth who want to seek GOD ultimately. GOD bless✝️
Here’s my take, especially after studying the Old Testament and observing mainstream society over the past few years - God-fearing parents who raise their children to know and obey Him are doing God’s work. In the Old Testament model, the father was the priest who led the family; his behavior and leadership determined whether his family followed God. In turn, they will then bring others to God through their examples.
Plenty of nuns and Priest worked for 5+ years before entering their vocation Also, following your vocation is not abandoning anyone. Heaven is the goal, all these things on Earth will come to pass. AND if your boss truly supports you then they will encourage you to follow your heart 5:18
I’m old now but I still remember when my dad sat me down and asked if I was going to become a priest. At 22 I was not really ready. Years later I know it is always good to look for God’s presence in my life. So I pray and study and try to be a good person. This is what I have to give the world in my life.
I was doing my experience at a Cistercian Abbey here in Brazil. When leaving the abbey, I had a severe car accident that put in the hospital for a month. That was 2 years 3 motnhs ago. Now, I'm too old for them. That hurts. I was already set on leaving my job , earthly belongings and forego marriage. Now, I'm lost. If Fr. Columba or any othe brother can talk to me, it would be extremelly helpful.
Don't look at being in a Religious Order as a status to be obtained. You live a religious life as a lay person . 3rd order is an option, but if not that you love the Lord with all your heart and live your vocation out. There are plenty of us lay religious around who do not "qualify" for Religious Orders. And let me give you an example, I love helping the addict and alcoholic. Now can you see me strolling into the Monastery for Divine Office with this group of misfits who are laden with other sins also . I have the freedom, to pray the offices at times that meet my schedule accordingly. I have the freedom to sit up late at night and listen to someone who is struggling. There is so much I can do for the suffering that I could not if I was in a Religious Order. Be a Servant, the Lord will show you how to serve.
@@lonniestoute8762 Thanks. Every day I realize how much I have to put in order. Not only my car was wrecked, but also mind and body. Faith remains and that is the reason why depression hasn't gained a foohold.
I am 22 and have been wrestling with my ideas of vocation. Thank you Father, this video has been really healing for me. God spoke to me through it. I realize more and more everyday that God just wants us to have a fearless response to His call of Love.
Early on I felt called to a life of contemplation, but I realized that was for me, not for God. It has been much harder to be in the world and to live my faith. I often wonder if I made a mistake, and didn't listen hard enough to God...
Amen especially the last 4 minutes when Father talked about how anyone at any age can work on becoming especially free of anything emotional or physical or spiritual rhat's holding us back, from God. From giving ourselves fully and freely to discipleship
My call, the desire and the capacity is full on religious life, yet due to the restrictions Religious orders have Im not eligible. Im waiting to see if the Lord is moving me into a Lay Community Life. Im praying for God to be clear and make it happen instead of me making it happen. I dont really like all this waiting , Im willing to move now.
Mark my words. There will be a ‘third way’ or vocational option to arise in the parlance and praxis of the Church. It may start out as a transitional quasi-vocation, but it will come. Indeed, for all practical purposes it’s already been here for a while due to the overall decrease in marriages, mounting divorce rates among believers, and the popularity of “irregular relationships”. That of the celibate laity or the unmarried faithful. Give it about 25-50 years.
@@love...leah. properly, no. The Catholic Church only recognizes marriage and ordination/consecration, not lay singleness as vocations. Though, as per my previous comment, this will prove insufficient soon enough imho. Think about all the souls that are divorced, struggling with SSA, perpetually single, or have grown too old for the religious life… There’s room in the Church for them of course, but is there an approved vocation fitting to them?
Father, I am a widow in my 70s, and I am hoping to find a spiritual director. With the shortage of priests these days, that seems to be a very difficult wish to fulfill. The priest who had directed me passed away in 2016, and I've been without since. Any suggestions? Thank you for your website and your videos, which are very helpful.🙏🙏🙏
I just love your videos, they are so uplifting and lighthearted. Yet so important topic you are addressing. I am so grateful that I came to this video and hearing your perspective on Gods will for us. I so recognize that which you are talking about, for example the thoughts of becoming a nun. I am a artist and paint icons at a place with two nuns that are teaching in icons. And one period of time I thought God maybe wanted me to become a nun and when I stayed there one night to see how it is to live as a nun I felt only resistance and not good feelings. Not because of being a nun, because I love these two nuns I paint with but because I thought that this is what god wanted for me and so I tried to force liking the idea 🙈. But what you are talking about make more sense. I will contemplate on your words and really look into my call, my desire and my capacity through Gods will for me. Thank you, all glory to God. Amen!
I intended to pray through your recommended steps today, but the snow falls deep in upstate NY and driveways must be cleared. I'll put it on my calendar for tomorrow.
Super useful chat... God amputated my spouse, leaving me about 178 pounds lighter. This new unbearable lightness of re-Being isn't as easy as i thought it would be but i am not hating it either. It's just massively Messed Up!! 😂😭 Edit: Snark was @ 11... Noice 🤭
Look up Father Shaun Doherty. He is at Saint Eugene's in Derry and helped my son come into the church. I'd pray to Pope John Paul the Second and Saint John Vianey to help open doors for you. Saint John Vianey had all sorts of obstacles 3his vocation, and he'd be delighted to help you with yours. I'm rooting for you!
Can you please ask the Friars in the USA if they will be giving any talks or concerts at any parishes in Maryland, leading up to the National March for Life in DC, and then post an answer here? Just trying to find out about any events with them that are associated with the March. Thank you very much!!!!🩵💙🩵
I'm 63 and still trying to figure out my vocation. I haven't listened enough to God's call in my life. I am a father and a grandfather, but I pray for discernment every day. I hope my new vocation will be living near my grandchildren and being a godly and kind presence in their lives for as long as the Lord sees fit for me to live. I esp hope to grow in my life with Christ through my family, friends, and co-workers.
If you are a man, the requirements are not as restrictive. There are men who have not become priests until after 60… search on youtube. The Catholic Church is more restrictive to ages unfortunately… there are callings far beyond priest nun monk and being married. Its sort of interesting because woman tend to live far longer than men. Its interesting regardless. Every situation is unique and should be considered as unique as each person.
If you worry that you may have missed your call (though it still might not be too late to respond) then just focus on doing God's Holy Will. Have that as your priority and daily surrender to it. I believe that desire helps immensely in the anxiety of wasting our lives and missing or God-given call.
Looks like your vocation is as a parent, and now grandparent. “Vocation” is this sense is not a career, but your state in life: family life, or priesthood/religious life. Embrace your vocation as parent and grandparent, and everything else will begin to seem insignificant. That’s my experience, at any rate.
In our area in Colorado, USA, we have a wonderful priest who’s dad became a priest and has a brother who became a priest. His dad lost his wife in 2004 and finished raising his children and became a priest. The dad was a deacon when he was married. This is so marvelous.
Sassy Father colomba is my favorite 😂
We have been so blessed with men in mature ages becoming deacons. They went back to college and still were working full time to study to become deacons. Thank you Lord ❤️
God, desire, capacity
I think we need a community, maybe a lay community of older believers who want to dedicate the second part of their life to prayer and service….
The Third Order is something you might want to on into
YOU. SPOKE. TO. MY. HEART!
To clarify: I felt poor feeling happy to be an altar server. I thought I was being complacent in my peace and satisfaction of upkeeping the altar as a server during before, during, and after Mass.
I also saw altar boys, but no altar men so to speak. So in a way, I also felt childish. The chapel I go to is very small, very modest, and has very few children.
When I saw the older priest (he's 74) struggling to conduct Mass on his own, I really just wanted to help. This has opened my eyes to many of practices and traditions. And I constantly want to up my game, learn the many ways to honor God at the altar, in a devotional room (Monstrance), and help (instead of criticize) the things that are lacking within more modern Catholic altar practices.
Thank you Fr Columba. Something about this spicy, snarky talk really helped me to understand what my heart has been trying to express in my love for God. Thank you, and God bless you! 🕊🙏🏽
Thank you for this!!! I’ve been having some anxiety about this topic and my heart is encouraged as you remind us of God’s love for us, His goodness, and the fact that He will speak through our desires. God Bless
Funny thing (relevant to the "Discern when young" section of the video). Back home in Iceland, a popular term for "retirement" is "seating oneself in holy stone" (or "setjast í helgan stein"). "Holy stone" (or "helgan stein" -that's the accusative, the nominative is "helgur steinn") is another word for monastery; they were one of the few stone buildings in Iceland back then, and they were holy. So... old people, too old to take care of their farm, they would look to join a monastery (or a nunnery, I suppose) and spend their last few years there.
At almost 60 I feel this so deep in my heart and wish it were still something us more mature people could do.
@@kateleurs5012 I mean, I could think of worse places to spend my last few years, really. Once I'm done with my "worldly duties", to just be allowed to stay in a monastery, rather than at a retirement home...
I love this man, he's so funny:)
IKR?!? I had to rewind this one at the beginning because I was like, "did he just say there weren't enough vocations in...Antarctica?!" 😂
Bless you Father ✝️
I wish the church would reconsider the age cut off. There are many faithful who don’t know their calling until later in life, and life experience will allow them to more fully submit to the ordained life.
There are some orders who allow older vocations.
Marians.
I wish I'd heard that 20, even 10 years ago. My discernment process was very difficult, found it hard to get sufficient help and advice especially positive and encouraging in a general nature. I received only indifference or even opposition from my family, though not from all but mostly. (I am from Sydney).
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support!
For years and years I've *wanted to want* a monastic vocation; I've wanted to feel called. I find contemplative life utterly fascinating; I've read about it, visited a monastery, prayed the hours. I should pray more on it, but at over 35, and not having the best history with authority, it seems unlikely now. But, as one of the monastery sites said about this exact issue: "there is no limit on God's grace".
I haven’t analyzed my heart fully yet.
But what I do know is this, I fear not getting married, not having children.
But at the same time, I feel a longing to work The LORDs field, and bring people to CHRIST, humbly for GOD just as the friars do.
However I’m currently studying engineering under a scholarship which my boss gave me.. he’s paying for my education.
How could I abandon him? I believe GOD gave me this opportunity aswell..
I’ve always wanted to make and build things but I also want to be an instrument of GOD.. I want to give myself fully to GOD… I just don’t know how to do it, maybe I believe it has to be in an extraordinary way, but as you said “I want what GOD wants.” I often find myself saying that… say a quick little prayer for me and the youth who want to seek GOD ultimately. GOD bless✝️
Here’s my take, especially after studying the Old Testament and observing mainstream society over the past few years - God-fearing parents who raise their children to know and obey Him are doing God’s work. In the Old Testament model, the father was the priest who led the family; his behavior and leadership determined whether his family followed God. In turn, they will then bring others to God through their examples.
Plenty of nuns and Priest worked for 5+ years before entering their vocation
Also, following your vocation is not abandoning anyone. Heaven is the goal, all these things on Earth will come to pass. AND if your boss truly supports you then they will encourage you to follow your heart 5:18
Thank you Fr Columba for including the bit on capacity - It was very helpful.
Father, two thumbs up with using the heart as truth. You truly are good father.
Deo gratias 🙏
It was helpful Fr❤😊! Your humour never gets old😂🥰
I’m old now but I still remember when my dad sat me down and asked if I was going to become a priest. At 22 I was not really ready. Years later I know it is always good to look for God’s presence in my life. So I pray and study and try to be a good person. This is what I have to give the world in my life.
Sometimes wanned be a nun, some anothers marrige 😂😂What do I Really want?🤔 Good question.
Thanks father!!
It's good to be edgy sometimes, father; it breaks down that "sensitivity wall" for some people and grips their attention.
He always makes you smile, top man :)
I was doing my experience at a Cistercian Abbey here in Brazil. When leaving the abbey, I had a severe car accident that put in the hospital for a month. That was 2 years 3 motnhs ago. Now, I'm too old for them. That hurts. I was already set on leaving my job , earthly belongings and forego marriage. Now, I'm lost. If Fr. Columba or any othe brother can talk to me, it would be extremelly helpful.
Don't look at being in a Religious Order as a status to be obtained. You live a religious life as a lay person .
3rd order is an option, but if not that you love the Lord with all your heart and live your vocation out.
There are plenty of us lay religious around who do not "qualify" for Religious Orders.
And let me give you an example, I love helping the addict and alcoholic.
Now can you see me strolling into the Monastery for Divine Office with this group of misfits who are laden with other sins also .
I have the freedom, to pray the offices at times that meet my schedule accordingly. I have the freedom to sit up late at night and listen to someone who is struggling.
There is so much I can do for the suffering that I could not if I was in a Religious Order.
Be a Servant, the Lord will show you how to serve.
I pray for you! Regards from Spain 😊
@@lonniestoute8762.. wise advice. Thank you. It brought comfort and direction to my soul.
@@lonniestoute8762 Thanks. Every day I realize how much I have to put in order. Not only my car was wrecked, but also mind and body. Faith remains and that is the reason why depression hasn't gained a foohold.
@@marcondespaulo
👍
I am 22 and have been wrestling with my ideas of vocation. Thank you Father, this video has been really healing for me. God spoke to me through it. I realize more and more everyday that God just wants us to have a fearless response to His call of Love.
Early on I felt called to a life of contemplation, but I realized that was for me, not for God. It has been much harder to be in the world and to live my faith. I often wonder if I made a mistake, and didn't listen hard enough to God...
Hi Fr. Columba, great video! Do you have any ideas about what should we do when we don’t feel a particual calling/desire for any vocation?
Thanks Father, I am in a retreat because I’m not entirely sure what to do with my life
Very helpful! So many of us, old and young, need to hear this. God Bless and thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, Father. This was really helpful!
Thank you Father, this is such an encouraging video
Amen especially the last 4 minutes when Father talked about how anyone at any age can work on becoming especially free of anything emotional or physical or spiritual rhat's holding us back, from God. From giving ourselves fully and freely to discipleship
Thank you soooo much. This really helps. GOD BLESS YOU Father
Oh this longer version was deeper than the 1 or 2 minute version on tiktok. Thank you.
What a huge region! God bless ya!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
My call, the desire and the capacity is full on religious life, yet due to the restrictions Religious orders have Im not eligible.
Im waiting to see if the Lord is moving me into a Lay Community Life.
Im praying for God to be clear and make it happen instead of me making it happen.
I dont really like all this waiting , Im willing to move now.
This topic is so needed. This was really helpful, father, thank you!
God bless you Father 😇😇😇💙🙏🏽💫
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
This is the clearest discussion of this topic that I've heard. Thank you. 🙏
Excellent and encouraging video. Thank you, Father Columba.
Thank you Father.
Mark my words. There will be a ‘third way’ or vocational option to arise in the parlance and praxis of the Church. It may start out as a transitional quasi-vocation, but it will come. Indeed, for all practical purposes it’s already been here for a while due to the overall decrease in marriages, mounting divorce rates among believers, and the popularity of “irregular relationships”. That of the celibate laity or the unmarried faithful. Give it about 25-50 years.
being single has always been a vocation hasn't it?
@@love...leah. properly, no. The Catholic Church only recognizes marriage and ordination/consecration, not lay singleness as vocations. Though, as per my previous comment, this will prove insufficient soon enough imho. Think about all the souls that are divorced, struggling with SSA, perpetually single, or have grown too old for the religious life… There’s room in the Church for them of course, but is there an approved vocation fitting to them?
Saint Rita did it
THANKYOU FR COLUMBA, I THINK YOUR VIDEOS ARE AWESOME AND THANKYOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING xx
God bless you, Frank.
Ow ya father, this was really really helpful. Thanks a lot! God bless!
Glad it was helpful!
Father, I am a widow in my 70s, and I am hoping to find a spiritual director. With the shortage of priests these days, that seems to be a very difficult wish to fulfill. The priest who had directed me passed away in 2016, and I've been without since. Any suggestions? Thank you for your website and your videos, which are very helpful.🙏🙏🙏
I’m open to the priesthood if the church needs it, but I know I want to be married. Ideally, I’d like to be a married priest in the Eastern Rites.
I just love your videos, they are so uplifting and lighthearted. Yet so important topic you are addressing. I am so grateful that I came to this video and hearing your perspective on Gods will for us. I so recognize that which you are talking about, for example the thoughts of becoming a nun. I am a artist and paint icons at a place with two nuns that are teaching in icons. And one period of time I thought God maybe wanted me to become a nun and when I stayed there one night to see how it is to live as a nun I felt only resistance and not good feelings. Not because of being a nun, because I love these two nuns I paint with but because I thought that this is what god wanted for me and so I tried to force liking the idea 🙈. But what you are talking about make more sense. I will contemplate on your words and really look into my call, my desire and my capacity through Gods will for me. Thank you, all glory to God. Amen!
Age limits on vocations to religious life is like slammingthe door to the soul called....
Good information 👍
Very good!!! ❤
SO SSSSOOOOOOOooooo helpful thank you 😀😀😀
Glad it helped!
Super helpful. Also, completely foreign to my formational background. "Deny yourself" signaled quelling personal desires and dreams.
Glad it was helpful!
I intended to pray through your recommended steps today, but the snow falls deep in upstate NY and driveways must be cleared. I'll put it on my calendar for tomorrow.
Super useful chat... God amputated my spouse, leaving me about 178 pounds lighter. This new unbearable lightness of re-Being isn't as easy as i thought it would be but i am not hating it either. It's just massively Messed Up!! 😂😭 Edit: Snark was @ 11... Noice 🤭
My birth mother Mary
I cant be any other child
Im born Christ ian
Confermed Catholic
Great video.
Thanks!
❤
I want to be priest but I am almost 40.
We had a new priest ordained in Derry last year at 56. He's a lovely priest. It's not too late.
@@blindknitter Thank you for that. :-)
Look up Father Shaun Doherty. He is at Saint Eugene's in Derry and helped my son come into the church. I'd pray to Pope John Paul the Second and Saint John Vianey to help open doors for you. Saint John Vianey had all sorts of obstacles 3his vocation, and he'd be delighted to help you with yours. I'm rooting for you!
@@blindknitter Will do.
Can you please ask the Friars in the USA if they will be giving any talks or concerts at any parishes in Maryland, leading up to the National March for Life in DC, and then post an answer here? Just trying to find out about any events with them that are associated with the March. Thank you very much!!!!🩵💙🩵