The apostles called by Jesus were a varied lot. There were fishermen and a tax collector in the group. Each of the twelve struggled with the calling.

Why should it be any different for any of us who are called by God for a particular mission in life? Why should it be any different for anyone who thinks God may be calling him to serve as a priest?

Some are called at a young age to be priests. Some are called when they think they are settled into the secular profession for which they were academically trained.

Many times, the calling comes from someone else who asks the simple question, "Have you considered becoming a priest?"

Father T.L. Herlong, a former Jesuit priest, who is now a retired priest of the Diocese of Lake Charles, says the seed for his vocation was planted by a priest when Herlong was a young altar boy. In the past, that was typical.

Today, it takes not only parish priests but parents and neighbors as well to ask that question of not only young men but older men as well.

How do you know if God is calling you to be a priest?

The only way to know is to spend time in prayer and in discussion with others. Contact your pastor, the Vocation Office, or an active lay person in your parish to discuss your feelings and your faith. In sharing our faith with others, we often will hear the voice of God.

If you desire more information about the priesthood or religious life - why not contact Father Aubrey Guilbeau, Vocation Director? He would be pleased to give a confidential, no obligation, no hard sell, realistic response to your questions. If you like, Father Guilbeau could also arrange for other priests to talk with you as well. After all, they're the ones in the trenches, so to speak.