In Seminary

What qualifications are there to join the seminary or religious life?

Each diocese establishes its requirements as does each religious community.

Some religious communities accept candidates directly after high school while others ask individuals to get a job, finish college, or otherwise mature a little more to discern if God is calling them to religious life.

The first step to attending a seminary is to be accepted by a diocese as a seminarian. The next is going through the admission process for the seminary of your choice. There are three levels of seminary: 1) high school, 2) college, 3) theology

Most men enter either at the college or theology level. Requirements to enter a theology seminary are a minor in philosophy, 12 - 15 hours of theology, and a college degree. However, there are seminaries that focus on second career vocations. They count life experiences towards credit, something that is determined on an individual basis.

Each diocese and religious community also determines the age limit as to when someone is too young or old to be accepted. The age factor is based on the number of years and dollars it would cost to prepare someone and the number of years of service a diocese or community might expect to receive.

What is the process for becoming a priest?

Becoming a priest is a deliberate process that includes a number of steps and years of study. The first step is to contact your local parish priest. He can lead you to the next person to be contacted.

The next person will walk with you to help you discern if God is calling you to consider this vocation. If he or she feels this calling to be from God, you will be directed to the diocesan vocation director. The director will put you through the screening processes, which includes your writing an autobiography, obtaining letters of reference (from family, friends, past employers, a pastor, for example). You also will be asked to take psychological testing.

All this information is kept confidential and given to the vocation board. They review it and have a meeting with you so they can put a face to all the paper work before making a written recommendation to the bishop. He then decides whether to accept you as a seminarian or not, or may delay your acceptance for some reason.

Upon acceptance, the vocation director will notify you and begin the process of applying to a seminary. You also will need to meet with the seminary admission board and be accepted by them. This is usually a formality, but not always. Sometimes men are not accepted for various reasons.

Theology school is designed to help you discern if this is where God is calling you. Each year's program has areas of discernment built in to help you. Theology school can last four to five years depending on the seminary. This does not include any pre theology studies you might need to meet the required minor in philosophy and 15 theology credits. The pre theology requirements can be a one or two year process. Most are one year, but the feeling from Rome is that it may turn into a two year program.

What is the process for becoming a sister or brother?

To become a sister or brother (as opposed to a parish priest) you make a personal contact with the vocation director of the community you are interested in. It can be a good step to attend a "Come And See Weekend." If the community seems like a fit for you and you seem to be a fit for their community, they will invite you to take the next step, which will vary based on the needs of the individual applying.

Once accepted you will move in with the community or they may have a house you can live in with other sisters/brothers and you may work in the secular world. This may be done if you have commitments such as family or other that are preventing you from fully entering. This process includes several stages. The first stage is a postulate, which last one to three years. The second stage is temporary vows, which is three years. After that comes final vows. This time allows you to discern if this is truly where God is calling you. It gives you time to listen through the community and your life experiences.

Who pays for the education of priests, brothers, and sisters?

For a college seminary you will be asked to apply for grants and any financial aid you qualify for. The diocese may pay the balance, but you must pay them back if you leave.

For theology school it can depend on the diocese. Many dioceses pay the tab with an agreement that if you leave active ministry before five years you pay them back for your education.

What are the first few steps anyone considering a religious vocation should take?

First steps: PRAY; seek spiritual guidance through priest, sisters, brothers, parents, vocation support groups, friends, etc. Then act on what you hear God saying through all these channels. We caution you to be patient and to view apparent obstacles as part of the necessary process. Allow God to lead you in His time and His ways.

In exploring religious vocation options, what are some of the main categories and how do they differ?

Check out VISION magazine. It lists all the different Religious Communities in the U.S . Try and discern your gifts, what makes you happy inside. It's all about a relationship with God and others. So being happy and comfortable are key ingredients in any relationship. Being in love with Jesus and filled with a deep desire to serve Him in others. Answers to these questions will lead you to the right community.

Is going into the priesthood or becoming a sister a lifetime commitment or can you leave if you want to later?

Upon taking your final vows, you are making a lifetime commitment. Of course, people make mistakes or just decide to take another direction in life. Sometimes the commitment just changes face. For example, you may decide to join a religious community and leave the diocesan priesthood or vice versa. Or, you may decide to switch religious communities. In these cases, your lifetime commitment to follow and serve Jesus does not change, only the way you will do it changes. This happens and it's okay.

It's important to note that attending a seminary is only a commitment to learn and more fully explore your potential vocation. The lifetime commitment is made when you take your vows.

Do all religious take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience?

Yes. There are some who even add a fourth vow. For instance there is a vow of stability (to always live in this one area) and a vow of education.

How do I know if I am called to be a diocesan priest or a religious priest?

The answer comes as a result of years of listening to God's voice through many channels, including scripture, Mass, prayer, reflection, retreats, support groups, spiritual direction, and visiting different religious communities. It evolves as you discover your unique gifts and where God is calling you to serve Him. By investigating and asking questions of those in priesthood/religious life you will begin to understand and know what you are being called to do.

With whom can someone talk about their interest in a religious vocation, and will it be kept confidential?

You can talk to any sister, brother or priest. Simply ask them to keep it confidential and they will.

In the Diocese of Lexington, we welcome you to contact Erick Sandstad, Vocation Coordinator, or Fr. John Moriarty, Vocation Director. We will be glad to help you in any way we can.