Dear Phil,  

Before suggesting anything let me congratulate you - and the promise that even though I don't know you personally, I will remember 'Phil' in my rosary.  

It is great that you are open to the priesthood. Don't forget to offer yourself to Christ every time you meet him in Confession and Communion. There is a lot for his priests to do in the world today. 

Let me start with a question, do you want to move on your vocation right away, and would your parents approve of this? There are high schools for young men of your age who are thinking of the priesthood. If your parents approve, you should get in touch with one of those schools, visit it, have your parents see it, and see if that is the way Christ wants you to go.  

If you think he wants you to cultivate your vocation at home for now, there are several resolutions you need to make right now.  

One, to grow in your spiritual life (state of grace, sacraments, rosary, make time for God each day). Find a spiritual director who can help you with this and the following points.  

Two, do something for others (help out occasionally at a soup-kitchen, hospital, orphanage... teach CCD to younger kids, get some of your friends that might be drifting away back to the Church... for example).  

Three, continue to learn more about your faith (books, tapes, etc.). 

Four, start getting to know priests and visiting seminaries until you find where God wants you to go.  

Five, stay healthy, play sports, do physical work - wimps are unqualified for the priesthood.  

Six, take your present duties to heart - this is one of the best ways to prepare yourself. I hope you find these points helpful. 

Again, I will pray for you, and I hope God gives you the wonderful gift of a vocation. God bless