How to become a Catholic seminarian

You or someone you know may be experiencing a call to discern the priesthood. Now what? Here's a guide to the practical next steps.

In the United States, aspiring seminarians with an undergraduate degree usually go to what's called major seminary. Younger, college-age seminarians attend -- you guessed it -- college seminary.

I DON'T have a bachelor's degree

I HAVE a bachelor's degree

The road map to college seminary

Before a young man can become a priest, he must become a disciple. That's what college seminary is all about.

1. Take it to prayer

2. Call your vocation director

3. Visit the seminary

4. Apply

The application process has several steps in itself, but don't feel overwhelmed. Typically, you'll need to complete an application for both your home diocese and the seminary. Seminaries associated with a university -- like Saint John Vianney College Seminary and the University of St. Thomas -- require a third application, as well. Every situation is different, but most requirement lists include references, a medical exam, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, sacramental certificates, a background check and an autobiography or personal essay. Your vocation director will help guide you and your family through the application process.

5. Become a disciple

6. Discern what's next

Preparing for the priesthood

Geared toward both college seminary graduates and men who discern their call later in life, major seminaries oversee what the Church calls the "configuration stage" of priestly formation. Each step of the journey brings a man closer to ordination.

1. Pray

2. Contact your vocations director

3. Apply

Application processes vary from seminary to seminary and diocese to diocese. Your vocation director will walk you through the process and necessary requirements.

More than likely, it'll include a psychological evaluation and interview with both the vocation director and seminary rector, staff, etc. Don't be nervous! This is your opportunity to explore whether seminary is right for you, with expert guidance.

4. Configuration to Christ

If accepted, you'll join the seminary community and dive into theological studies. Most seminarians who didn't attend college seminary start with a "propaedeutic" (a fancy word for preparatory) year focused on prayer, community life and human formation. Then comes pre-theology, which centers on philosophy in topics like metaphysics, human nature, the theory of knowledge and ethics.

But seminary life is much more than class. The top Catholic seminaries focus on four dimensions of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral. Whether you discern the priesthood or a different vocation, the Church needs leaders who are well-formed in all four of these areas.

Getting ready to get ready

The Vatican now requires seminaries to institute a "propaedeutic stage" of preliminary formation before a man begins seminary life. The propaedeutic stage allows a man to detach himself from the world and focus on his relationship with Jesus, his community and himself before formally entering the seminary.

Check out an example

How to become a Catholic seminarian

The road map to college seminary

Preparing for the priesthood

Getting ready to get ready

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