Potential Priest with IC - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

patient_patient · 11-01-2004, 07:27 PM

I am a young man just finishing college and potentially becoming a Catholic priest. Last year I was diagnosed with IC after getting the run-around from several docs until my present one. He put me on Elmiron, which has helped to reduce my frequency to about once every 2 hours and to make pain manageable. Note: The timing of those two hour intervals is not always great. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone out there was a priest/minister/rabbi/etc. with IC.

The Catholic Mass is usually about one hour, but sometimes special liturgies are longer. I think I might have to rush a service near the end occasionally, but I'm not sure that problem is big enough to convice me not to go for the priesthood. I've prayed about it a lot. I feel that I have all the needed qualifications except possibly "good physical health." And yet priests with all kinds of physical disabilities, including the Pope, celebrate Mass.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

***Katrina*** · 11-01-2004, 07:34 PM

Hi!

to the ICN! I find it ironic I am the first one to respond to your post. I have a BA in religion and consider myself on my way to become a Pastor ....since that has been my goal since highschool. Anyway, so sorry you have IC.
IC and many other things have gotten in my way of becoming a minister but they haven't won yet. For the moment I try to do my job online in anyway needed. Feel free to contact me ....my chat ID's are on the links to left...or Private Message me

patient_patient · 11-01-2004, 08:29 PM

Thanks for your reply, Katrina. It is reassuring to know that someone else is in a somewhat similar situation.

Have you had positive or negative reactions from the Methodist powers-that-be in your area regarding possible ordination? I have been reluctant to talk to mine about my IC, because if the bishop's office doesn't approve me for seminary, that rules out priestly ministry in my diocese. I could still try others of course.

I read your 9/11 commentary that was linked on the bottom of your post. It seems to me that your IC and other ailments have put you in touch with God in unique ways, especially testing your faith and trust in Him. I think that others could surely benefit from that insight.

vm · 11-02-2004, 07:40 AM

I am not a priest or minister, but did want to welcome you to the site!

Good luck in continuing to follow your dream. I hope they wouldn't stop a calling to the priesthood just b/c of a disability.

***Julie B*** · 11-02-2004, 08:36 AM

Hi New Friend: Welcome to ICN. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be allowed to become a priest. There are certainly ways around the bathroom issue. One thing you might try is call another seminary (anonymously) and ask the addmissions office if they would be adverse to accepting a patient with a bladder disorder? Then you would have practice in that conversation if it came up.

We have had priests with asthma, severe heart disease, and now, bless him, a gentle soul who fights anxiety, depression and a history of alcohol abuse. In fact, shortly after he came to our parish he checked himself into a Guest House. Imagine the uncertainty of coming back to a parish where you barely knew anyone and they all know YOUR problems. But you know what? His humanity is his greatest asset. People love his gentle candor. If you have the gift and calling, God will find a way to take you in. Hugs............

Iris · 11-02-2004, 12:13 PM

Hello, and also would like to add my welcome to the IC family, and the IC Network. I do hope your dream to become a priest are fulfilled for you. Many good wishes coming your way. Iris.

mayray518 · 11-02-2004, 06:45 PM

I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school and am aware of the studying and faith it takes to become a priest. Perhaps that will help you get through this awful disease if you indeed have it.

***ICNDonna*** · 11-02-2004, 06:52 PM

to the IC Network. I also encourage you to follow your dreams. Most people with IC do find effective treatments and do very well. And it is my firm conviction that, having suffered yourself, you possess more compassion than someone who has not felt pain. And compassion is so very important for religious leaders.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

XoChelsey03Xo · 11-02-2004, 08:30 PM

I'm not Catholic but do you all sing during your church services? If you do then you could get up and go use the restroom during that time. Maybe letting the church family know you have a medical condition might help as well? Just a thought. Good luck! Chelsey

July · 11-03-2004, 12:21 PM

Welcome! Follow your heart. If you are meant to be a priest, God will make it happen despite the disease. If it is not for you, you won't have any regrets of not trying to go to seminary. I agree that it is best that you make others aware you have a medical condition so accomodations can be made. I bet it won't be a problem. Who knows, maybe you'll feel much better by the time you complete seminary! I'll keep you in my prayers for that to be so.

***Katrina*** · 11-03-2004, 01:04 PM

Hi again, so far I have been encouraged to do the best I can in the ordination process. In the Methodist Church there are 5 stepts before seminary....one of which involves getting a mentor...my mentor was always supportive but now is a Bishop...not sure if I can contact him anymore. Anyway, part of that process is what your own Church thinks of you. I am lucky to have a lot of support from my Church in becoming a Pastor.

I do think though that if I were to try to become ordained as sick and disabled as I am that would be a huge problem. Someone who only had the disability of not being able to walk had a lot of problems......compaired to me that is kind of minor at this point....but she did eventually win and I plan on putting my all into it to since I do feel called. Right now I need more strength to even go to Seminary but I plan on the 2 week process. (In the Methodist Church that means I plan on trying to be a Lucal Pastor) Before IC my goal was to goal the full route but it no longer seems to fit me...not even in my heart so perhaps God had different plans for me. I know being very sick was something I was warned of with ordination because of insurince....I haven't faced this problem yet but I know it is there. I will pray for you.

I know I can do God's work without a tittle .....and luckily for me I am supported by a husband. I would love to talk to you more about this. I went to Siver Lake College in Manitowoc WI for four years. It is a Catholic college and they were very accepting of my by the second year lol.

Anyway hope to talk to you more.