How to Become a Catholic Priest

Priesthood is a vocation, not a job. It takes intense preparation and soul-searching to make the decision to become a priest. A man must feel he is called to this vocation and be prepared to lead a celibate, exemplary life. A priest's life is one of service; it calls for extreme dedication, patience, holiness and obedience to the Pope and the dogma of the Catholic Church.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Seminary training
• Calling
• Four-year degree, preferably

1. Prepare for the priesthood by getting a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field that will enhance your studies in the seminary. Such degrees include philosophy, religious studies and psychology. Classes in Church history, public speaking and history are very helpful to a priest's understanding of the Church and of human nature.

2. Enter seminary after graduating from college. If you possess a college degree, the seminary training usually takes four years. If you have no degree, eight years is the standard.

3. Abstain from romantic relationships. It is necessary for you to be sure your vocation is to the priesthood and not to married life. Although this may seem contradictory, you are able to make a more objective decision if emotions are not involved.

4. Become a deacon after graduating from the seminary. This usually lasts for six months and is viewed as an internship.

5. Take the vow and enter the priesthood. Priests are subject to background checks to assure that they have no history of criminal or sexual misconduct.

Tips & Warnings

• Devote lots of time to prayer when making this decision. Speak to other priests who can counsel you with answers to questions you might have about the priesthood and offer insights that will guide your decision on whether or not to make this your life's vocation.