What options outside of priesthood are available?

The church today has an enormous variety of ministries available as a lay person and as a permanent deacon. Your local vocation director can help you discern whether your call is to priesthood, or to another form of church service, such as catechist, Eucharistic minister, reader, or parish committee membership. Generally, though, such parish involvement is expected of any serious candidate for priesthood before being accepted by a sponsor.

How does one become a member of a religious community?

The formation program involves several stages. While these vary from community to community in name, length of time, and format, the following outline gives a general view of the formation process:

Contact: A person of high school age or older who is interested in religious life can join a program of contact with a religious community. This is usually a very flexible program. The person meets monthly with a priest, brother or sister and shares experiences of prayer and community life with the congregation in which he or she is interested.

Candidate: A more formal relationship with the community occurs when a person becomes a candidate. The person lives with the community while continuing his or her education or work experience.

This period enables the candidate to observe and participate in religious life from the inside. It also gives the community an opportunity to see if the candidate shows promise of living the life of the community. A person may be a candidate for one or two years.

Novice: The novitiate is the next stage of formation. This is a special one or two-year period that marks official entrance into the community. Novices spend time in study and prayer, learning more about themselves, the community and their relationship with the Lord. At the end of the novitiate, they prepare for temporary promises, or vows.

Vows: Promises of poverty, chastity and obedience may be taken for one, two, or three years, depending on the decision of the individual person. These promises are renewable for up to nine years. Final vows may be taken after three years of temporary promises.

A man studying for religious priesthood also has seminary training, where he studies theology, Scripture, Church teachings, and the skills he will need in order to be an effective priest.

How do you know you have a vocation to the priesthood?

Through Baptism every Christian has a vocation, that is, a call to holiness from God. The Holy Spirit invites all of us to share our gifts, talents and lives in some unique way. It may be as a single person giving witness to Christ by living a life directed by the Gospel message. It may be as a married person dedicating one’s life and love to another and sharing in faith within a family. It may be as a religious brother or sister dedicating one’s life to service and ministry in the Church. Or, it may be as a priest, leading the community of the faithful through the sacraments and sharing in the life-journey of God’s people. You may feel Christ calling you to serve the people of God. Christ doesn’t call us in the same direct way he called the apostles. Christ often calls us from a silent voice deep within: “Come and follow me. Dedicate your life to me and to the spread of the Gospel.”

Why did you become a priest?

“I became a priest because I fell in love with Jesus. When I was in school, I was interested in many possible careers. At one point, I wanted to be a dentist. Later, I thought about becoming a musician. Still later, I thought I might want to be a lawyer. But through all of those confusing years in high school and college, one thing became clear to me – I was falling in love with Christ. My faith, which had been important to me as a child, was becoming even more important to me as a young adult. While I enjoyed college life, with all of its activities and fun, I slowly began to realize that my relationship with Christ was central to my life. My involvement in church and ministry gave me great satisfaction. While other things brought me some happiness, my involvement in ministry was giving me joy, and a deep sense of satisfaction. I became more and more involved in campus and parish ministry, and as I reflected on those experiences, I understood that the gifts which God had given me were well suited to serving others. Not only that, I discovered that I found real joy in reaching out to others with the Good News of the Gospel. For awhile, I thought that God would give me some kind of external sign if he wanted me to be a priest – but then I realized that the answer was coming from within. As I reflected on the gifts God had given me, as I paid attention to the feelings I had when I was involved in ministry, as I thought about the things in life that gave me joy, it slowly dawned on me that God had created me precisely to serve his people. The answer did not come from outside – it came from within, where God revealed my deepest dreams and desires. This process of prayerful discernment helped me to understand that God had created me for a specific reason, and God gave me the gifts and personality that would enable me to fulfill that call. Saying ‘yes’ to priesthood was, in a sense, saying ‘yes’ to the person God had already created me to be.”

– Fr. Michael Renninger.

How might family and friends react to a decision to become a priest?

Most priests were fortunate to have families who encouraged them to do whatever made them happy in life. They supported their choices without pushing, but by asking probing questions that make them think more deeply about what they were choosing.

Friends’ reactions varied a lot– from ridicule, to laying odds on how long they’d stay, to refusal to talk about their choices, to quiet support, to high enthusiasm. Obviously, some of those negative reactions are hard to take from good friends whose opinion are valued. Sometimes they were pretty discouraged about their choice because of the reaction of their friends, and were grateful for the ones who said, “Do what’s best for you.”

What’s the next step?

Do you honestly enjoy your life?

I do! It brings me immense satisfaction and deep happiness to work with people in many ways. As a minister of the Gospel, I touch the very center of others’ lives by trying to communicate the unconditional love Jesus has for us. Sure, there are times of discouragement, frustration, and fatigue– everyone has those. But if I had my life to live over again, I’d choose the same life.

What does a priest do all day?

What a priest does with his day is so varied and complex that only a sampling can be given here. Prayer, work, exercise and leisure are all necessary for a healthy life. We try to make sure we have a balance of all these – but we don’t always succeed.

In the area of work (ministry), many of us have one main occupation, such as teaching, parish ministry, social work, or hospital work, all of which have somewhat regular hours and predictable demands.

The unpredictable demands are also interesting and challenging. They center on meeting the needs of people: the sick, old, angry, hurt, hungry, imprisoned, excited, happy. We share with them our understanding, encouragement, and support. We rejoice, cry, and celebrate with them. Such events are both painful and rewarding, fatiguing and empowering.

How important is prayer in your life?

Because we have chosen a way of life that says by its very nature that God is most important, prayer has a central role in our lives. Prayer is communication with the Lord whom we love – and is as necessary for us as communication is for any two persons who expect their relationship to continue. Can you imagine having a best friend (or spouse) to whom you never spoke?

Since prayer is so important, most priests set aside regular time for prayer each day; part of that time with others, at Mass and in common prayer; part alone, in reading and quiet contemplation. Probably the main benefit of prayer is that it makes us more sensitive to God’s activity in the people, events, and circumstances of daily life.

In prayer, we listen to Jesus as he encourages and challenges us. In prayer, we reveal to Christ the depth of our hearts. It is in this honest, intimate experience of prayer that we come to know God’s love for us. Without such intimacy with the Lord, we cannot serve his people. With a vibrant life of prayer, we find the strength to stay faithful to the commitments we have made.

Is prayer always easy for you?

Definitely not! There are lots of times when we don’t feel like praying just as there are times we don’t feel like doing other things that are basically important to us – for example, the athlete doesn’t always feel like practicing; a student doesn’t always feel like studying; the wage-earner doesn’t always feel like working, etc. However, in all the cases mentioned, because the prayer, game, grade, or job is important, we act on motives deeper than feeling, and do what we know needs to be done.

Our efforts aren’t always perfect, but we are so convinced of our deep need for God that we keep trying to pray, no matter how we feel. We believe that God sees and responds to our attempts to communicate with Him.

What vows do diocesan priests make?

Technically, diocesan priests do not make “vows.” At ordination, they make life-long promises of celibacy and obedience to their bishop. They also commit themselves to regular prayer and to a lifestyle that is appropriate to their calling.

Do people act differently when they know you’re a priest?

Some people do treat us differently because we are priests. This can sometimes be awkward. We do not want to be respected or rejected just for our lifestyle or title, but for who we are as individuals.

Can priests date?

No, because dating is meant to lead one to marriage, and as celibates, marriage is not our vocation. However, we can and do have close friends.

Are you ever sexually attracted to anyone?

Yes, we are. Nothing happens to us at the time of entering the seminary that eliminates normal human needs, feelings, or desires. Like all people, we integrate these feelings and express our love for others in a wide range of means other than those physical expressions restricted to marriage. As celibates, our love is focused on the church community, and to be available to all who are in need. Throughout our lives, we strive to share our gifts with everyone, and we try to avoid relationships that are exclusive or too focused on one person.

What do you do if you fall in love?

The basic responsibility in such a situation is to preserve the original, existing commitment (to continue to live as a priest) and to do whatever is necessary to do that. The priest must decide to develop the relationship within the bounds and responsibilities of his commitment to celibacy. While such decisions are not always easy to make, they are by no means impossible and often leave the priest stronger in his vocation than before.

In a sense, this is the same discipline that is required of married persons. It sometimes happens that a married person develops romantic feelings for someone who is not their spouse. In that situation they, too, must make the choices which enable them to stay faithful to their original vows, and live a life of honesty and commitment with their spouse.

Do you ever think about being marriage with children?

Yes, it’s only natural that at times priests consider the beauty of family life. However, we recognize also the beauty and happiness of our own lifestyle, and make a free choice to remain celibate. There are wonderful experiences and blessings that are unique to our calling, and these help us stay focused on the God who called us.

Do you ever get lonely?

As in any way of life, there are times of loneliness for priests. When we feel lonely, this can be an invitation to focus our attention on Christ, and to seek out those healthy friendships which will sustain us throughout our lives.

Do you ever fight with other priests?

Hopefully, “fight” is too strong a word; perhaps “disagree” would be more accurate. This is natural, expected, and healthy when people share intense feelings about common values and goals together. Presuming the maturity of the people involved, most disagreements can be worked out to the benefit and satisfaction of all. Priests work at growing in the art of communication, and this demands trust, openness, and willingness to live in the tension involved in talking out differences.

Do you think you are superior to lay people?

No. Priests are not superior to lay people. All vocations are a gift from God and are equally valuable.

How long does it take to become a Diocesan Priest?

The answer to this question really depends on the background of the candidate. In the Diocese of Richmond, we normally accept a man for seminary studies only after he has competed a four-year undergraduate degree at a college or university. Once he has been accepted into our seminary program, he undertakes a four-year program of graduate studies in Theology at a seminary. In addition, the Diocese of Richmond requires all of its seminarians to complete a 14-month pastoral internship at a parish within the Diocese (this usually takes place between the second and third year of Theology studies). So, at a minimum, it takes five years after graduation from college to become a diocesan priest.

There are, however, some academic prerequisites that each candidate must complete prior to his Theology studies. In general, the Church asks candidates for priesthood to complete between 20-24 undergraduate credits in Philosophy. If a candidate has studied some Philosophy as an undergraduate, he may be able to complete his seminary program in five years, as described above. If a candidate has not studied much Philosophy as an undergraduate, he would be required to do a year of “Pre-Theology Studies” at the seminary, during which time he would complete his required Philosophy courses. This Pre-Theology Year adds another year to the seminary program. If a man has not completed an undergraduate degree, he should contact the Vocation Director to discuss the possibilities of becoming a seminarian.

What does a seminarian study?

The program of priestly formation is designed to help a man become a holy, healthy and happy minister of the Gospel. The seminary formation program is designed to help a man grow in the following areas:

Human Development: Through his participation in the life of the seminary, the candidate will grow in his awareness of himself, his strengths, his opportunities for growth, his self-awareness and overall health. He will be encouraged to learn those skills which will enable him to live a life that is marked by psychological and physical health. He will learn to treasure his gifts and talents, and grow in the ability to engage in healthy relationships. He will reflect on his own psycho-sexual development, and learn the skills that are necessary for a life of healthy celibate loving. He will be encouraged to live a life that shows a balance between work, prayer and recreation. He will also be encouraged to develop an ongoing interest in the arts, music, reading, intellectual activity and physical exercise.

Spiritual Development: Without a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ, it makes no sense to be a seminarian! So, each candidate is given a variety of opportunities to grow in his love for Christ and Christ’s Church. The seminary will introduce each candidate to a variety of prayer forms and spiritual traditions. Participation in the liturgical life of the community gives the seminarian a chance to develop a balanced life of personal and public prayer. With the help of a Spiritual Director and Confessor, each seminarian can explore the deep questions of discernment and vocation, and face the challenges that come to each of us as we try to do God’s will. As the candidate learns more about Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church, he is encouraged to reflect on the connection between the content of our faith and it relationship to our personal spirituality. The seminarian will also reflect on the ways in which our spirituality leads us to become people who act on behalf of justice and peace.

Intellectual Development: While at the seminary, each candidate has a unique opportunity to immerse himself in the theological tradition of our Roman Catholic community. The seminarian undertakes an intensive study of Sacred Scripture, Moral Theology, Sacraments, Liturgical Theology, and Canon Law. He will have the chance to grow in his knowledge of the central mysteries of our Faith, including the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, the life of the Trinity, Revelation, Faith, Christian Anthropology, and Eschatology (i.e. the study of eternal life, Heaven, and the Communion of the saints). In addition, students will be encouraged to have a foundation in Philosophy, and well as the ancient and modern languages which will assist them in their life as priests.

Pastoral Development: Candidates for priesthood are not simply asked to learn a set of doctrines and ideas – they must also develop those skills and instincts which will enable them to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ through a life of loving service to God’s people. For this reason, seminarians are introduced to various ministerial experiences which will help them to become familiar with the role of the priest in the modern world. While at the seminary, the candidate takes courses on pastoral theology, liturgical practice, counseling, and ministry skills. During the academic year, the candidate is assigned to a specific ministry (e.g. teaching religious education, visiting the sick, serving the poor, etc). During each Summer, the candidate is assigned to a parish within the Diocese of Richmond. He lives with the pastor, and undertakes a wide variety of parish ministries during the Summer months. With the pastor, he reflects on his experience, and learns to listen to God as he speaks to the candidate through these experiences. Between the second and third year of Theology, the student is assigned to a parish for a 14-month internship. During that year, the seminarian has the opportunity to work closely with the pastor and the parish staff, developing his ministerial skills, and learning the broad scope of modern parish life and ministry. These pastoral experiences are essential to the formation of each candidate. They enable to seminarian to experience the joy of working with others. They allow the candidate to develop a prayer life that is appropriate for active ministry. They provide the context for the seminarian’s ongoing theological studies and discernment. These assignments also provide an opportunity for to Church to discern whether a man’s personality and gifts are properly suited for a life of diocesan ministry.

Do you have to be an "A" student in the seminary?

A seminarian should be an average or above average student. A priest need not be a “brain,” but on the other hand a priest must have the ability to pass the graduate-level courses the seminary requires in order to serve the Christian community well.

Is seminary life hard?

Seminary life is not any harder than college or graduate work at another university. Seminarians have the added responsibilities of developing as men of prayer, and as a bearer of the Good News. Friendships are encouraged with both men and women, but dating is not part of the seminarian’s life since he is preparing for celibacy, not marriage. They have the responsibility, like any student, to fulfill the responsibilities that are part of their preparation for the life they’ve chosen.

Where do candidates complete their education?

Most seminarians in formation for the Diocese of Richmond study at either Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C., or at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. Students in Pre-Theology (doing undergraduate coursework in Philosophy and Theology) study at these two schools as well.

Are you taught to write homilies?

Seminarians are required to take courses on writing and giving homilies. During his years of formation, seminarians will have the opportunity to preach periodically at Mass in the Seminary and in parishes. During this time, he will receive constructive feedback on his homilies from the people at Mass and the priest with whom he serves.

How does a man become a priest?

Becoming a priest involves several stages. While these vary slightly from diocese to diocese in length of time and format, the following outline is offered as a general view of formation programs:

CONTACT: A man who is interested in the priesthood but still searching for the answer to the question “What does God want of me? ” could enter into a discernment relationship with the diocese. The process begins by contacting his pastor or the Vocation Director. During this time, the man can talk regularly with a priest about his interest in a church vocation. He may seek out resources to read. He could be in touch with seminarians who are already in formation. He would be invited to attend discussion groups, days of retreat, and other workshops sponsored by the vocation office. Perhaps he could make a visit to a seminary to see what it is like. Throughout this time, the man would be encouraged to focus on his prayer life, and to be actively involved in the life of his local parish.

CANDIDATE: A more formal relationship with the diocese occurs when the man becomes a candidate. At this time he begins the application process, interviews and meetings with the representative of the vocations office.

SEMINARIAN: The candidate, sponsored by a diocese, now enters a seminary to begin his priestly formation and theological studies. At this point he is called a seminarian.

TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE: About a year before ordination to the priesthood, the seminarian is ordained to the Transitional Diaconate (so named because the seminarian is in transition to the priesthood, and to differentiate from the Permanent Diaconate). The man makes promises of celibacy and obedience to his Bishop.

PRIESTHOOD: After much work, and a lot of prayers, the man is recommended for ordination as a priest.

Does my age make a difference?

Yes, it does. We believe that adult candidates can become some of the best priests and we believe that God can call a person at any age. Many dioceses and religious communities have age limit requirements, however, and not all sponsors will accept candidates who cannot be ordained by age 40, 50 or 55. One must check in each case. In the Diocese of Richmond, we normally do not accept a candidate who is over 45 years old.

Will I be accepted simply because I want to be a priest?

As with any candidate, younger or older, a desire or sense that one is called is only one of many significant factors in accepting a candidate for the seminary. The church has many requirements, e.g. academic ability, physical health, mental and spiritual health, evidence of an ability to live a celibate life, realistic idea of what is required of a parish priest which is often demonstrated by a candidate’s involvement in a parish community. In many cases age becomes an important factor, as noted above. One’s desire for priesthood must be tested, taking into account these other factors as well as submitting to a process of discernment needed both by the individual and the diocese. It is important that we provide the best possible priests to serve the needs of the Church.

What if I have been married?

A previous marriage does not, by itself, make it impossible to consider a call to priesthood. In fact, in many cases, one’s previous marriage can be a significant factor contributing to a grace-filled priestly ministry.

What if I am a widower?

Generally it is advisable to wait one or two years after the death of a spouse before entering the seminary. This provides opportunity for grieving, transition and preparing oneself to enter a new, celibate state of life.

What if I have been divorced?

In itself, a divorce is not an impediment to priesthood. If the former partner is living, an annulment must be granted before admission to the seminary. Some dioceses and religious communities will not accept divorced candidates, but, after careful examination, many others will.

What if I have children?

It is important that children be at least eighteen years of age and financially independent of their father. Some seminarians report that their adult children are some of their strongest supporters in the seminary.

What if I have made mistakes in life?

Priesthood is not just for saints. Actually, the ability to regularly seek forgiveness and guidance from God is an asset in one’s vocational discernment. It is important to fully disclose one’s history in the application process so that those assisting in your discernment can be most helpful. Some actions, however, are impediments to acceptance into a seminary and ordination, for example, voluntary homicide, procuring an effective abortion or positive cooperation in either. The same would be true for one who has been guilty of apostasy, heresy or schism. There are other crimes or activities which will prompt hesitancy on the part of any potential sponsor. In addition, if one has had some other seriously detrimental behavioral pattern, e.g. alcoholism or other drug abuse, or sexual activity, a suitable period of probation must be demonstrated to assure than one can successfully live a sober and celibate life. A spiritual director is often of significant help in discerning one’s readiness for seminary life.

How important is my work background?

Generally, a sponsor will be looking for some stability or progress in one’s work record. Often a person’s past experience can become a strong asset after ordination, e.g. experience in a helping or teaching profession, or financial/administrative experience. On the other hand, if a person has great instability at other jobs, it does not present much promise that one will be able to deal successfully with the challenges of priesthood and parish ministry.

What impact does one’s sexual orientation or lifestyle have on becoming a priest or religious?

Religious orders and dioceses are seeking people who have a strong sense of self as a man or woman and understand one’s own emotional needs. Candidates to religious life or the priesthood should also have the gifts and talents to live celibately. They should understand what are appropriate expressions of love in a celibate context. Living a celibate life requires abstinence from sexual activity.

Dioceses and religious communities, in working with candidates, look for behavioral evidence that celibacy is a possible lifestyle for a person. Above all, the Church reminds us that a priest is someone who is called to love – to love God and his people. Candidates for such a vocation should have an awareness of their own identity as sexual people, and should demonstrate an ability to express their love through a life of care and concern for others.

How old do you have to be before you enter the seminary?

In general, the diocese of Richmond will accept a man for seminary studies once he has completed an undergraduate degree. In some cases, exceptions may be made to this policy. However, careful consideration regarding health, finances, and future years of priestly service must be taken into account prior to the acceptance of an applicant.

What are the qualifications of a Diocesan priest?

A potential candidate is a single Catholic man with a broadening intellect who is emotionally and physically sound. He must have a capacity and a willingness to love and serve Christ’s people as a celibate priest. There has to be an openness to learn and to grow mentally, intellectually and spiritually. He must be blessed with the desire and a willingness to embrace the challenge of the Catholic Church of the twenty-first century with joy, hope and enthusiasm.

Do you have to be a virgin to become a priest?

No. A person’s past life is not the main concern. The question is: Am I willing and able now to live and love as a celibate person in the service of others?

What options in priesthood are available?

The needs of the church today are many. Depending on one’s background, training and previous employment, a great variety of pastoral opportunities are available. Sponsorship implies that one will be serving as a priest in that diocese or religious community. It is important that both the candidate and the sponsor see this as possible. Important factors might be the area of the country (climate, topography, etc.), the particular nature or charism of the sponsor (e.g. rural or urban; ethnic or language needs; unique ministries; and theological orientation). Most older candidates work in a parish settings but one might also inquire about other options, e.g. working with the elderly or in some other specialized ministry.

What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious priest?

A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the Church within a geographical area of the church, known as a “diocese.” He ordinarily serves the people as a parish priest, but he may also be involved in many other forms of ministry: teaching, Chaplain in hospitals, prisons, campus ministry, etc. A religious priest, on the other hand, is a member of a community that goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese. For the diocesan priest, the people of his parish become his primary “faith community.” For a religious priest, the other members of his order constitute the primary community in which he lives and worships.

What’s the difference between a brother and a priest?

A brother is a layman who commits himself to Christ by the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience, who lives in religious community, and who works in nearly any job: teacher, electrician, cook, lawyer, mechanic, artist, etc.

A priest’s distinctive role is as minister of the sacraments: celebrating Eucharist, Baptism, and Penance. He does a variety of other works as well, but sacramental life is his special ministry.

Does a Diocesan priest receive a salary?

Since a diocesan priest does not take a vow of poverty, he receives a personal salary. Priests receive a salary commensurate with the local standard of living enabling him to pay for expenses he has: medical, car, books, entertainment, vacation and charitable contributions.

The amount of money made by a priest is not really important. We have chosen to live simply, without accumulating a lot of material possessions, in order to enable us to focus our lives more easily on Jesus, and to serve his people.

Can you retire from your work?

A retirement age applies to priests (75 years old). We can retire from active ministry, but many will get involved in part time ministry or volunteer service. We cannot retire from the priesthood. We do not retire from our love for people.

Can you be fired from your job?

If our work is incompetent, we can be removed from our assignment. In certain circumstances a bishop may permanently revoke a man’s facilities to publicly function as a priest.

Do priests get time off and what do they do in that time?

We have approximately the same amount of leisure time as most adults. Obviously, because priests are unique individuals, we won’t all choose the same types of recreational activity, and we don’t choose the same activity every time. Some of the more common choices are sports, movies, TV, reading, sharing with friends, travel, and enjoying the outdoors.

Why has there been a decline in the number of persons entering the priesthood?

To attribute the lessening numbers of persons entering priesthood to a single cause would be simplistic and unrealistic. The reasons are many and complex. Some factors are the rapid pace of change in our world, the unwillingness of many to make a permanent commitment to any person or cause, the misunderstanding about the changes in priesthood over the past several years, the many opportunities for ministry now available to our laity, and the shrinking size of Catholic families.

Perhaps another reason is that God’s call is seldom a roar but is more often a whisper. Our lives today are often busy and noisy, perhaps too noisy to readily hear God when he calls us. This is why if you have any feeling that the priesthood might be what God wants for you, contact us. Together we might be able to cut through the noise and discern God’s plan for you.