You must be at least 25 years old to become a priest, but this is rarely an issue unless you complete your studies unusually early. [1] X Research source
Get to know your favorite priest. Tell him your interests in joining the seminary and see if you can assist him during services or when he goes to visit sick members of the church or participates in area activities. In addition to altar services, help out with singing and reading. Getting thorough knowledge of the books and hymnal will make everything much easier down the road.
Pray for God’s assistance in discerning your situation. Go to church to pray the rosary and listen to Mass every day, not only on Sundays. Participate in mass regularly, developing a relationship with your parish’s clergy. Ask for advice from a vocational director or any trusted mentor within the church.
While in college, get involved in your campus’ ministry. Use this time to attend retreats, help other students, and connect with your new parish or diocese.
Every school has a different application process. You may need reference letters, proof of church involvement, a certain GPA, and a statement of interest, to name the basics. The questions may cover physical health, emotional well being, conformity of behavior with Catholic tradition, and broad knowledge of Church doctrine. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source
You will also be attending retreats, conferences, and workshops as regular aspects of your training. You’ll be guided on meditation and solitude and be given adequate time to hone your public speaking skills. [7] X Research source
Don’t worry too much about whether you will be ordained. If there are issues that could prevent your ordination, you will likely discover them during seminary. If you are not chosen to be a priest or you leave seminary early, you may be able to request a refund of the tuition. The response depends on seminary policy and your financial situation.
Diocesan priests serve the Church in a geographic area. This includes parish priests, chaplains, and religious teachers, among others. They promise celibacy and obedience. Religious priests join the global community of a religious order or congregation, such as the Benedictines or Franciscans. These priests make formal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, with some variation among different orders.
You must be male and unmarried. Widowers are accepted, but typically not within a year or two of the spouse’s death. Divorcées must apply for annulment. Some Eastern Catholic Churches have different regulations and ordain married men, and (rarely) a married man ordained in another Christian community may convert and become a Catholic priest.
Educational and career experience may help, but your personal life can be a source of strength as well. For example, teaching, providing emotional and spiritual guidance, or contributing to your community can all help prepare you.
You may enter seminary without a bachelor’s degree, but it will be more difficult to get in, and the length of your education will typically increase to eight years.
