How to Become a Priest

The choice to become a priest requires long contemplation, serious preparation and a deep commitment to serve God. If you hope to become a priest, there are certain steps you should follow to ensure your success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Volunteer at your local parish whenever possible, especially to serve at the altar and assist the priest during religious services. This is a good way to learn the details of conducting religious services and to familiarize yourself with the daily life of a priest.
2. Realize that priesthood in most religions will require you to abstain from all sexual activity and romantic relationships. Being a priest in the Catholic Church requires a life of solitude so it's important that you decide if you will be able to handle living this way. The belief behind this requirement is that you will be able to think clearly and fully devote yourself to the priesthood if you are free of the emotions associated with these types of relationships.
3. Go to college after graduating from high school. A bachelor's degree, at minimum, is generally required to become a priest and it is best if the degree is in a subject somehow related to the studies you will pursue as part of the priesthood. For example, philosophy, history, psychology or theology are all good topics to concentrate on during your undergraduate studies.
4. Enroll in a seminary after college graduation to purse a master's degree in divinity. This degree generally takes about 3 to 4 years to complete and focuses on the study of theology. Some seminaries also allow you to enter an 8-year program immediately out of high school where you complete both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
5. Act as a deacon after graduation from the seminary. This position is considered an internship for the position of priest and usually requires about 6 months of time. After you have completed this requirement, you will need to take an official vow to enter the priesthood.
6. Spend time praying while making the decision to become a priest, asking for guidance and direction from God. Talk to the priests at your parish and ask them any questions you have about joining the priesthood.

Tips & Warnings

• As the educational preparation to become a priest is a commitment of several years, remember that graduating from a seminary with a degree does not guarantee that you will become a priest. The bishop of each parish makes this decision.