How to Become a Roman Catholic Priest

Becoming a Catholic priest (what the church calls "priestly formation") is a lengthy process that requires a sense of a divine call, deep reflection, prayer and rigorous education. It also emphasizes what the church calls the four pillars of priestly formation: personal, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral development.

Instructions

1. Understand the Catholic Church teaching that all people have a vocation, a divine call to a particular purpose. A select few men may have a divine call to the priesthood. Those who feel that call must begin the process with prayer and introspection. They also should talk with their parish priest and their diocese's director of vocations, who will help them further explore the process and help them determine if the priesthood is their calling.

2. Begin the education process. Candidates for the priesthood should finish high school, then complete a bachelor's degree program in an accredited university. The church does not prescribe a particular degree or major, but strongly recommends a broad liberal arts education that includes a study of philosophy and, if possible, undergraduate courses in theology. Philosophical study is good preparation for graduate study in theology at a Catholic seminary.

3. Enter a theological seminary. The seminary should foster future priests by focusing on the pillars of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. Human formation strives to prepare men for the life required of the Catholic priesthood, including a life of celibacy. Spiritual formation emphasizes preparing men to life in complete union with God. This includes a life devoted to prayer and spiritual direction. Intellectual formation focuses on gaining a deeper knowledge of the mysteries of faith and the teachings of the church. Pastoral formation is about preparing men to be what the church calls "shepherds of souls," following the example of Jesus.

4. Learn the principle of gradualism. In preparation for the priesthood, the church values the principle of gradualism, meaning that as a man advances through the process of entering the priesthood, he is expected to exhibit more of the values and qualities that the church requires. Prayerful consideration of a calling is not something that ends when a man begins his education for the priesthood; it is ongoing throughout the process.

5. Consider ordination as a deacon. Following college and seminary preparation, seminarians may be ordained as deacons. A man who has served as a deacon for at least six months, is at least 25 years old, and has completed six years of philosophical and theological study can petition his bishop for ordination as a priest. The final decision for ordaining a seminarian as a deacon or priest rests with the bishop of a diocese.

Tips & Warnings

• Talking with ordained priests can give a man considering the priesthood a deeper understanding of the process. A man considering the priesthood should not only engage in deep personal reflection and prayer, but also talk with family and seek guidance from his parish priest.

• The process of priestly formation is lengthy, taking many years. It is not a decision to be entered lightly.

Resources

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Program for Priestly Formation