Boys, What Now?

Originally published in The Way on July 12, 1941.

Boys, what now? Not only are we asking you this question, but many of you are asking it of yourself also. What now? Many, many of you have graduated from high school, still others from college. What are you going to do now? What is your vocation?

Did you consider entering the priesthood? No, why not? We need priests. Some of our parishes are without a pastor, others could use more than one priest. Then our priests are needed for chaplains and many other offices in different institutions. They are needed in many places where we cannot send and because we are short of them. If Bolshevism in Russia should collapse our people would need hundreds of priests not only to go into Ukraine, but into entire Russia to restore Christianity there, to convert the people back to Catholicity, to our Rite.

Either you have or you have not decided upon your career. If you have, very well. If you have not, are you convinced the priesthood is not for you? Why not think the matter over? Why not consult your pastor?

In the first place confront yourself with the question if there are any serious obstacles in the way of your becoming a priest. Your health — how is it? Your past — is there anything incompatible with the priesthood?

If there are no obstacles, what about your will? You are not sure you want to go, — but neither are you certain that you don't! Do not make the question: “What does God require of me?” but make it: “What am I willing to give to God?”

“Until you have given all, you have given nothing.” Such was the answer of a brave young aviator upon a dangerous flight. Will your answer be less for the service of God?

“But, I should have to give up these comforts of mine. I should have to give up my position and think of something else, of a more generous life.” In this matter use great prudence; see that you are making no mistake. But, if you are sure that what others have decided to do, you also could do if you wished, then make the decisive step!

“But, I should have to leave my own people and forego the joys of home.” Yes, but after all, why not, if there is a great vocation for you?

Possibly it will be difficult; therefore be humble and pray. Pray that you may see; and if you see that you must take the step remember the words: “Until you have given all, you have given nothing.”

“I am convinced,” says Rene Bapin, “that there are many men in the world who have had the vocation to the priesthood and have failed to respond to it.” Do not be one of these.