Step One: Internal Discernment
This part may involve many years. Some people think about priesthood for a long time ~ even from youth. Some, after discovering the call, act on it right away. Others discover this call only later in life (for some, much later). A good portion of internal discernment involves reflection, prayer, and listening to God. Being involved in one’s parish, going to Mass regularly, receiving the sacraments, attempting some type of Christian or community service, and trying to live a good Christian moral life are just some of the ways that often help to bring one’s call into focus. If the person, after prayer and thought, feels that he has been called by God to the priesthood and decides that he wants to proceed, he can then begin the application process. Our Diocesan Vocation Director is ready to assist individuals discern his call from God.
Step Two: Application Process
For an individual to apply, he must first meet several criteria. The applicant must be a baptized male, confirmed and practicing his Catholic faith. He must have at least completed high school or be within a year of completing high school (e.g. High School Senior). The person must be in good health and not bound by marital obligations. The candidate would then fill out the appropriate application forms, submit sacramental certificates and academic transcripts, and provide references. The candidate would also have several interviews as well as undergo the necessary psychological testing and screening. After the completion of the above, the Bishop and the Vocations Director will meet, evaluate the candidate’s application, and then decide to accept the candidate, reject the application, or defer it until some point in the future.
Step Three: Seminary Formation
Once accepted, the seminarian will begin preparation for the priesthood at the seminary the diocese sends him to. If a person comes straight from high school or with some college without finishing a degree, he would normally be sent to Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri to get a BA in Philosophy. After completion of the College Seminary degree (or special one year program at the college seminary for those already with an undergraduate degree), the seminarian would then begin theological studies, either at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois or Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
In general, seminary life includes academic studies (including studies of scripture, theology, philosophy, Church history, pastoral studies, etc.), spiritual direction (to help one grow in prayer), pastoral field work (hands-on experience in parishes or other ministries), and communal activities (including many things from prayer services to sports). Like any other school, seminarians have free time for recreation, etc.
The seminary staffs are responsible not just for educating the seminarians, but for helping and guiding them to become responsible and mature men who are ready to embrace the life of joyful service that is priesthood.
Step Four: Ordination
After completing his education, training, and preparation, the candidate comes to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for his ordination. (A seminarian is ordained a "transitional" deacon for a period of time before being ordained a priest.) There, surrounded by family, friends, the priests of the diocese, and other religious and lay leaders, the bishop ordains the person to the priesthood. The ceremony, which is held within Holy Mass, includes a testimony of his worthiness and an affirmation by the assembly.
The candidate then makes several solemn promises before God to the bishop. After that, the candidate lies prostrate on the floor as the Litany of Saints is sung. Then, in an ancient gesture, the bishop lays hands on the candidate’s head, and then so do all the priests who are present. The bishop prays the prayer of consecration. The newly ordained priest is then vested in the priestly Mass garments. His hands, which will offer the sacrifice of the Mass, are anointed with Sacred Chrism for their sacred duty. The bishop presents him with bread and wine and offers him the greeting of peace, the other priests present also welcome him into the Sacred Priesthood.
Now the person is able to celebrate the sacraments, and the new priest is sent to a parish to begin his life of service to the people of God. |
