Can I try?
This depends on how you define the word "try". To test a vocation is possible if you have a certain feeling inside. If you would like to clarify this feeling, its source, mening or purpose, then you can join the Latin Seminary for a preparatory year. This is the place where you can discover this undefined desire. But if you define "try" as an opportunity to just add to your life experiense and have a good time, then the Seminary is not for you.

How does the Seminary develop those who are called?
The Latin Seminary is well-known as a place where students are nurtured in their life's journy. A student for the priesthood does not have a completely developed understanding of his vocation. So, during the first or preparatory year, the student strengthens his understanding of his call. It is like a seed planted in one's heart that is hidden at first until it grows and develop.
The Latin Seminary is like a greenhouse which nourishes the planted seed to grow and blossom into a tree. God is like the gardener Who helps the plant to flourish when we direct our prayers to Him.

Am I called? Where and how do I start?
The first sign of a vocation is an attractin to the spiritual life. However, it is only the beginning. You need to look deeply into the reasons behind this feeling. Ask yoruself, "Is this really for God's glorey?". If you wish to develop this call, then it is advisable to read widely, including biographies of the Saints. At the same time, ask your friends and family for their advice. This will give you a certain encouragement to pursue further stages of discerment. In this way, you will build a sloid foundation of stones rather than sand.

Why does God call? How does He choose?
In the Old Testament times, God chose prophets to proclaim His word. In the New Testament, Jesus chose 72 disciples and 12 Apostles. God did this to be His instruments. God needs laborers, but "the harvest is great and the laborers are few"> God asks us to pray for workers as we reaad "Pray, therfore, the Lord of the harvet that he would send forth laborers into his harvest". God needs us to be witnesses of His unlimited love. He desires us to deliver the Good News to our brothers and sisters and he knocks on the door of your heart. He also respects your freedom of choice. Wether your answer is "yes" or "no", it is up to you to choose.
God works in His mysterious ways. God directs us whenever we see a priest or religious whom we admire or when we are inspired gy His word in Scripture or through our own life experiences. This is a living and on-going message "God works in different and marvelous ways in each and every one of us".

How do I know if I am called or not?
First of all, you should bear in mind that it is God's call and it is free of charge. There are, moreover, certain signs of this vocation. The most inportant is your desire to a life of devotion and service through your love of God and neighbor. Love is a gift that is given, not taken. When the joy of love overwhelms you, do not loose sight of the initial impulse which has drawn you to the priesthood.
God's call is not limited to the past or to only a few people. It is directed to every one of us. It is especially directed to a humble or listening heart. If a seed is planted in a willing heart, it needs to be nurtured in order to grow into a productive tree, giving its bormty to one and all.

How do I define my direction?
"you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and called you, that you should bring forth fruit and that your fruit should endure". The call to priesthood is not the result of fantasy, nor is it something that you can accomplish by thinking alone or by hard work; nor is it inherited. It is Christ who calls and we who are belivers must listen carefully to his call.
There are a number of factors which help us to hear His voice.
The first one is the social environment which society provides through family, school or parish. This environment helps to accept God's word. It a major effect in turning a general vocatin into a specific direction. If you are ready and willing to hear this call, then respond to this voice to becom a faithful worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

What do we mean by vocation?
A vocation is a dialog between two freedoms, the freedom of God and the freedom of humanity. In other words, God's freedom unites with our freedom.
We exist in order to be called. We are created in freedom. God calls us whomever He wants, whenever and however He chooses.
For example, He chose Zacchaeus and Mathew according to His own purpose. He does not seek certain elements in a person the same way we do. God freely chooses priests who freely respond and this makes them responsible to Him who calls and to those whom they serve.

What does it mean to be a priest in the world of today?
To be a priest in today's world means to serve people and help them understand their relationship with God.
A priest is chosen from among people and taken from among people to serve them. He teaches them to give of their gifts to God and to offer sacrifices for their sins. A priest lives among people as a brother. He does not distance himself from them, but works with them. He is God's servant and witness. He must live in the modern world but not become attached to it.
Avobe all, a priest acts in the name of Christ as a shepherd looks after his own sheep, knowing them by name and seeking to build one fold, one folck.