I am thinking of joining the Catholic Priesthood?

Question

Do I need to finish my undergrad or do I just join the seminary? How do I start the process who should I talk to ( other then my Priest?

Answer 1

Finish your undergrad work first. Many seminaries will not accept you before you do.

I highly recommend you do an undergrad degree in social work with an emphasis on counseling and double major in philosophy or (if you are at a Catholic university) theology. This will give you a strong background in the counseling you will need to know as a priest, as well as lay the groundwork for future theological course work. If you are not much for counseling, but are more an orator, then seek a degree in writing or oral communications instead of the social work.

Then you will want to contact your diocesian vocations director. Your priest will be able to direct you to this person's office.

I highly recommend you establish a cordial relationship with the person in that office while you're still in your undergrad work, so as to show your willingness to enter a period of discernment and studies.

I once studied for the priesthood, while I was still Roman Catholic. Though I am now an atheist, I wish you well on this journey and hope it provides to you the peace of heart it provided me before my falling away.

Also, find a copy of the Summa Theologicae (online, but preferably the six-book set). Begin reading and studying it. It will form an important core of your theological training. Become best friends with St. Thomas Aquinas.

Answer 2

Talk to your priest first! He knows you best and can tell you ! Take him out to lunch and get him to tell you what the job is really like ! He prob knows what is the best way to go about it as far as your education as well! Talk to others that know you well! Ask them if they would have you as their priest. That was an eye opening question for me. I would finish undergrad first! That way if you ever leave the priesthood you still have options to support yourself. If you enquire at various seminaries I am sure that they can point youi in thr right direction as far as the process goes Good luck

Answer 3

Ususally we have a strong attraction to the vocation that God calls us to. Sometimes children are not exposed to the religous life because their parents do not put them in the company of priests and nuns and so the child knows little about the religious life and therefore has no idea if it is what God calls him to do. A good thing to do in this case or otherwise is to go on a retreat....preferably Ignatian if possible. Talk to priests about discerning your vocation and of course pray to the Blessed Mother. There are many different kinds of Religious Orders. You must find the one that suits your characteristics and personality. Some religous orders are about joy such as the Franciscans and some are about leading an more serious life. Look into the Fraternity of St. Peter. They are traditional and approved by the Vatican and have a spirituality that is different from most seminaries. All of the priests I have met that have come from their seminaries are well-rounded and level-headed. Best of wishes.

Answer 4

I believe that seminary is after your undergrad. You definitely need an undergrad degree, because you'll probably need to get at least a Masters degree in Theology before you are ordained.

Why wouldn't you ask a Catholic priest? That seems to me to be the logical person to talk to.

Answer 5

My friend, if you're really serious about joining the priesthood, you better think about it seriously and study hard at any seminary school. My dad for example attended to a seminary school. He would became a Deacon. But good luck to you on this quest and may God be with you on this accomplishment. Once you join the priest hood, you cannot ever get married to any woman. Priests have to refrain from sexual activity. But the Deacon, he can get married only once. I'm almost thinking of becoming a priest myself but It's something i have to think about.

Answer 6

Your Priest will be your refeeree so firstly talk to him, you will find he will help you in your discernment. The Secular Clergy are but one branch and you may want to do a retreat at a monestary to help with discernment. I am going through a process of discernment, the past 3 years, don't be a hurry and don't focus on being a Priest just continue to think of holiness as the goal, after all our greatest reward will be in heaven, our biggest glory will be to see the light God.

Answer 7

Forget what the losers who try to dissuade you try to say...you are obviously at a turning point of your life. What you decide today will determine whether you are able to guide a congregation of faithful on the morally upright path or lead a family (considering you want to be a priest-i assume it would be one where morals and values are held highly, so u wouldn't face much problems). There are many different congregations you could join-diocesan, missionary, monastic-just to name a few broad categories. Depending on the kind of priesthood it is, your education will vary, as it would be embarassing and detrimental to turn back after deciding to go it would be highly advisable to join at least after undergrad and pledging to live a moral life. You can join without completing college like many famous bishops eg. archbishop fulton j sheen and continue your education as a priest (u might have a higher chance of getting accepted by certain good catholic colleges). You should talk to your diocesan priest who will probably tell you to join diocesan due to the dearth of diocesan priests but as u evidently have good computer skills i think it might be good for u 2 you to look into missionary priesthood where u can get opportunities to support developing villages, poor families, etc. u could also get similar opportunities as a diocesan priest but they'll b more limited. u could also join an order like jesuits who have many educational institutions or benedictines who engage in contemplative prayer, routine monastic life, etc.
trust me- i know- jesus really does love every one of us, yes!it is a big decision but as it says in the bible-whoever forsakes his wealth or family for me will be given ten-fold or 1hundred times, or something to that effect. I'm catholic too, i understand sometimes we just want to satisfy our lustful desires nd get sum...u kno wat, but the ability to avoid all this with self-discipline and integrity is vital to protect the purity of the divine call, i get horny sometimes, i try to avoid bad things, sometimes i succumb to temptation. spiritual life has many different facets, when we hold them all together god will help us overcome any obstacle regardless of how overwhelming it might b! priesthood epitomizes the call of jesus to facilitate the spread of values, faith, etc. it is the best way to repay him for his sacrifice and for everything we have and A facade of holiness won't do, it doesn't matter what others say, u may be involved in controversies, but as long as ur true to urself u should b happy. good luck, may god bless u!

Answer 8

You should talk to a career counselor to see what you need to do. Remember that this is a lifetime committment and you are NOT allowed to have any kind of romantic relationship with a woman or even get married.

However, if you are willing to forgo that and remain celibate for the rest of your life, then I applaud you. Go do what your heart desires.

Answer 9

it is always a good idea to finish your undergraduate education.

However, there are some Religious Orders who admit candidates without an undergraduate degree.

You should talk to the vocations director in your diocese, or contact the vocations directors at a Men's Religious Community.

Answer 10

Contact the Office of Vocations in your diocese. There are people there who can answer all your questions and tell you the next steps.

God bless.

With love and prayers in Christ.