Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Join the clergy at a young age
• Method 2 of 2: Becoming a priest at a later age
• Tips
• Warnings

Becoming a Catholic priest is an important decision. If you feel that you are called by God and you are convinced that a celibate life and devotion to God is yours, then chances are this path is your calling. The life of a Catholic priest is a calling to serve God and everyone in need around you.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Join the clergy at a young age

1. Meet the basic conditions. In the Roman Catholic Church, a priest must be male and unmarried. Many Eastern Catholic churches admit married men, especially in their native country.
   • While there are no official requirements or prohibitions, anyone with "homosexual tendencies" will have to "overcome" them for at least three years before being ordained a priest.
   • You must be at least 25 years old to become a priest, but this is rarely a problem unless you finish your studies exceptionally early.
2. Commit to your parish. Before you even think about attending college or seminary, it's a good idea to be active in your parish. The longer you are active as a practicing Catholic, the easier it will be to become a priest.
   • Get to know your favorite priest better. Tell him you are interested in entering seminary and see if you can help him during the services, when he visits sick members of the Church, or participates in local activities.
   • Besides helping as an altar boy, you can help with singing and reading. Getting a good knowledge of the books and hymns early on will make things run much smoother later on.
3. Test your faith. Becoming a priest is not a quick decision - it takes years to reach your goal, and it is not for the weak among us or those of moderate faith. If you see yourself doing something different, chances are the priesthood is not for you. These considerations can help you make your decision:
   • Pray for God's assistance to better understand your situation.
   • Attend mass regularly, develop a relationship with the clergy of your parish.
   • Seek advice from a professional counselor or mentor in the Church you trust.
4. Go to college (recommended). With a bachelor's degree, you usually get into seminary more easily and the duration of studies in the seminary shortens by several years. A degree in philosophy or theology will prepare you best, but a degree in any field can demonstrate your dedication and ability.
   • In college, dedicate yourself to your campus church community. Participate in retreats, help other students, and build relationships with your new parish or diocese.
5. Go to seminary. Submit your application through your diocese or the religious order. If you are in the US or Canada, enroll, if possible, in a seminar that awards a "Master of Divinity" and is accredited with the Association of Theological Schools. Ask your parish how to proceed.
   • Each school has a different registration procedure. For example, they can ask for reference letters, proof of your commitment to your church, your grade average, a motivation letter and the like.
   • They can ask questions about your physical and mental health, whether your behavior is in accordance with Catholic tradition, and test your knowledge of Church teachings.
6. Excel in seminary. In seminary, you will spend years studying philosophy, Latin, Greek, Gregorian chant, dogmatic and moral theology, exegesis, canon law, and Church history, just to give you an idea. The length of the program depends on your past studies and the amount of time you can devote to your studies, but a typical student will study four years of theology in doctorate and zero to four years of philosophy in college and / or spiritual training.
   • You will also regularly participate in retreats, conferences and workshops. You will be guided in meditation and solitude and you will be given ample time to refine your public speaking skills.
7. Be appointed as a deacon. After you complete your seminary, a bishop may call you for priestly ordination and ordain you as a member of the Church. You will now be a deacon for at least six months.
   • Don't worry too much about whether you will be ordained. If there are any obstacles to your ordination, you will most likely discover them in seminary.
   • If you are not selected to become a priest or if you leave seminary early, you may request a refund of the school fees. The answer to this depends on the policy of the seminar and your financial situation.
8. Become a priest. Depending on the tradition in your country, you can become a priest relatively quickly or remain a deacon forever. There are several forms of priesthood that you will learn in detail in seminary:
   • Deacons serve the Church in a geographic area. These include, among others, parish priests, pastors and religious teachers. They take a vow of celibacy and obedience.
   • Religious priests join the worldwide community of a religious order or community, such as the Benedictines or the Franciscans. These priests officially take a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience, which can vary from order to order.

Method 2 of 2: Becoming a priest at a later age

1. Learn about the requirements of the specific communities. The Catholic Church does not set a maximum age for priestly ordination. However, certain dioceses and faith communities do not accept candidates over a certain age. If there is a limit, it is usually between 40-55 years.
   • You must be male and unmarried. Widowers are accepted, but normally only after a year or two after their wives have died. Divorced men must request the cancellation of their marriage. Certain Eastern Catholic churches have different rules, but it is rare for a married man who is ordained in a different faith to become a Catholic priest.
   • Homosexual tendencies and actions are judged on an individual basis, but usually they are an obstacle to ordination.
2. Consider your life experiences. Parish members often feel more comfortable with an older priest who can understand their life experiences. The priesthood especially needs people who have human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral qualities. If you can demonstrate these qualities in at least one or two areas, your chances of being accepted into a seminar, getting a scholarship and being ordained increase.
   • Educational and professional experiences can be helpful, but your personal life can also be a strength. Teaching, giving emotional and spiritual help, or contributing to your community, for example, can help you prepare.
3. Enter seminary. Seminary gives you serious college-level education, which can seem challenging when your school years are far behind you. Speak to church mentors to find seminars that accept older students. You can also look for a seminar that specializes in tutoring, teaching, or any other field that fits your life skills well.
   • You can enter seminary without a bachelor's degree, but admission is more difficult and your education will most likely last eight years.
4. Let yourself be dedicated. After you finish seminary, a bishop can dedicate you to the Catholic Church. You will first serve as a bishop for at least six months. After this, you can be ordained as an episcopal priest serving a parish or other local area. You can also take your vows and live in a religious community.

Tips

• The terms "calling" and "insight" can be useful: a "calling" is, according to the Church, a type of call. Everyone has a universal call to be holy, but each person in a different way - a calling includes a religious life, the priesthood, an unmarried life. "Understanding" is the lifelong process of understanding God's will through prayer and spiritual direction. Insight requires a lot of patience.
• You may be called to become a priest shortly after you are converted. This is not uncommon, but it is best to talk to mentors in your church about a possible calling.
• You don't have to be 100% convinced of your calling to enter seminary or to become a novice.
• Due to the current scandals, the background of candidates is increasingly being checked. Your criminal record will be checked, with an emphasis on criminal sexual behavior.

Warnings

• The Catholic Church is a global institution with many traditions. It is best that you speak to a local priest about this to learn more about this process in your area.