I would like to become a Catholic Priest, what do I need to do? (Serious answers please). I know I asked!?

Question

I know I already asked this question but the answers were filled with "Don't do it" and "First you need to become a Catholic".

To start off: Only answer if you have useful information on how a CURRENT CATHOLIC can become a Priest.

Second: I am currently a Confirmed Roman Catholic, I have no need for information on becoming a Catholic.

Do not answer if you are trying to disuade me from becoming a Priest, or if you are trying to insult my belief system.

Thank you, and God Bless.

Answer 1

Any Priest in a Catholic church will be happy to help you on the path to priesthood. Find a priest with whom you feel comfortable sharing your most private thoughts, share your intentions and he will certainly set you on the right path.

Answer 2

*Is Catholic*

Very Good! Have you considered being a religious priest or are you sure about begin a diocesan priest?

What you need to do first is to talk with your parish priest. If you are thinking religious priest, then you will start talking the the vocations director for the particular order of the provience that you live in. If diocesan, first consider where you want to be a priest because your assignment will be to that particular diocese in normal circumstances.

On your diocesan web page, there will be a link to vocations. Follow that and that will give you the specific people to contact.

Education wise, you will need to get a degree in theology. Seminary covers both the training of the priest and the degree in theology. If you already have a degree in theology the amount of time that you spend in seminary is reduced. A Catholic priest typically has the equivalent education of a MA which is why the program typically takes 6 years. 4 years getting the theological training 2 years getting the specific training in the sacraments and duties of a diocesan priest.

Here is some book that you can go and buy and get started on your own.

A very good biblical commentary set, especially those that contain commentary by the Church Fathers.

The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal Documents of the Catholic Church, by Dupuis. The Catechism and other Vatican Documents cite this book.

The Compendium on the Social Doctrine of the Church -

The Full Breviary (Office of the Hours). This is a required duty of priests. Start getting used to making the time for the prayers.

Books on Latin - The Church is moving towards more Latin in the Mass. Start learning and getting used to speaking out loud.

Start subscribing to and reading good liturgical journals.

That is a good enough start, the vocations director will direct you more.

God bless.

Answer 3

OK - well first - I pray you are able to obtain your calling in this regard - the Priesthood is hurting for new men willing to forgo the secular life and seek a religious vocation. Keep Romans 12: 1-2 in mind during your search.

I would seek the advice of your parish priest for more information. He would be able to consel you on an intiail basis to give you an indication of any concerns he may see in your decision. he would also be able to give, or make contact with the seminary, Bishop, or authority that may help you further you pursuit.

Plan on some time in Seminary, where you wilm be educated, trained in religious, spiritual, dogmatic, apologetic, etc. training. This would be the equivalent a degree in Divinity, Theology, etc.

You would also need to make sure that you have no obstacles that would preempt your entrance (i.e. marriage, divorce, anti-Catholic issues in your life)

I hope you are able to achieve this decision. I highly respect your willingnwess to choose this call.

God bless

Answer 4

Congratulations for answering God's call. I would go to your parish and talk to the priest. Also, there are always advertisements in the Catholic newspaper, The Tidings. Look them up on-line or get a copy from your parish. There are open houses and talks from many different "groups". Visit and talk to all of them and see what feels like the right fit for you.
I will remember you in our family prayers. Good luck and may you be guided by God... today, tomorrow and always.

Answer 5

I would think you should find someone who is already a catholic priest that you respect and let him mentor you and tell you how to do it. I doubt many catholic priests search the web often and will answer your question through this. I think personally asking an actual priest would be a sure way of getting what information you're looking for!

Answer 6

well, contact your priest.
become a deacon
become an acolyte
go study in the seminary for a while (you may need sponsors for this)
after you pass all the tests (some people don't) you are ordained.

I think that's the basic way it's done. I think it took my friend John about 6 years before he was ordained. He had to learn many languages. I think he dreams in Italian now. I wonder where he ended up? I haven't heard from him in years.

He had a stutter, you know, but it disappeared when he gave the homily. Great guy. Very humble and gentle soul.

Answer 7

well, my advice depends somewhat on your age. if your are old enough, begin application to a seminary.... your church will help you contact whomever is neccessary - i.e. a vocations director.

HOWEVER - no matter what your age is, keep going to the sacraments - including the sacrament of reconciliation. this will help you keep faithful and grow spiritually. also, check out

http://www.nccbuscc.org/ and

http://www.universalis.com/

these have links to the daily readings AND the Liturgy of the Hours which are very important.

Peace+

Answer 8

My suggestion would be that you should go to a Catholic priest that you know and talk to him. He could probably help you better then we could. Good luck and may God bless you in your endeavor.

Answer 9

Contact your diocesan office for Vocations. They will be able to answer all your questions and let you know what your next steps are.

If you cannot find where to contact them then your local parish will give you their phone number, etc.

God bless you on your journey.

With love in Christ.

Answer 10

You want a serious answer? O.K. Seriously Why would you want to join an organization that conspired to brainwash native Canadian children into thinking they were white by teaching them horrible lies about native people? This was a plan to commit genocide against aboriginals and the Catholic church and several others were involved .Physical,sexual and psychological abuse was perpetrated and covered up.Why associate with that kind of organization?I'm not trying to dissuade you from your belief system here either if you want to be Christian go ahead but many of the institutions built around this faith are guilty of helping the government carry out a plot to commit genocide.Not exactly the kind of organization I'd want to associate with.