[1stFreedom]

>>There is no good reason for "minor seminaries." Herding 13 year old boys into environments where they are denied contact with the opposite sex and given the impression that they can discern, at that age, a vocation to the priesthood, is ridiculous.

I disagree. I knew what I wanted to do in life when I was 13 -- and I did it. I think that kids at 13 have a real clue as to what they would like to do in life. While they aren't able to make many mature decisions (financial, etc) they are sometimes capable of having an idea of their future.

Our culture focuses too much time in mediocre eduction. In reality, many kids can start college when they are supposed to start the 9th grade. We just don't shape our youth into adults till much later than 13.

[sinkspur]

While they aren't able to make many mature decisions (financial, etc) they are sometimes capable of having an idea of their future.

Whether or not one wants to marry is a mature decision, and can't be made at the age of 13.