Applying for Seminary

When a man reaches a certain point in his discernment, if he wants to discover if priesthood is his true vocation, he has to go to seminary.  It should be stressed that entering seminary is a stage of discernment, not a decision to definitely become  priest.

Applying to seminary has three main phases:

 

1. CONTACT THE VOCATION DIRECTOR

Discernment always happens with the help of the Church.  The archdiocese needs to get to know you better before offering you a seminary application.

 

2. THE APPLICATION PROCESS

If the Vocations Director invites you to apply to become a seminarian, you will be given a checklist and instructions. The application has numerous screening components. Some items you will need:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Reference letters
  • An autobiographical essay
  • Psychological screening
  • Medical screening 
  • Sacramental records
  • Background checks
  • In-depth interviews with the Vocation Director

 

3.  APPROVAL BY THE ARCHBISHOP:

Archbishop Sample is ultimately the decision maker when it comes to seminary applicants. Many men find the application process to be a healthy exercise in self-knowledge and a helpful part of overall discernment.

To begin the application process please fill out the Initial Contact Form and the Director of Vocations will contact you as soon as possible.

Who is a Priest?

Priests have a critical mission: …to bring people to Jesus and Jesus to people.

What do Priests Do?

Priests do far more than celebrate Mass and pray all day. The life of a priest is busy, demanding, challenging—and incredibly rewarding.

Why Celibacy?

Celibacy is always a top concern for men thinking about the priesthood, but rest as­sured that every priest had the same thought before he went to seminary.

Signs of a Priestly Vocation

If Jesus has placed a desire in your heart for priesthood, no matter what your age, don’t ignore it. Talk to a priest you admire about how you feel.

Learn to Discern

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them.” – Pope Francis

Priesthood Discernment Self-Test

Examining oneself using these twenty qualities or signs is a good way to begin one’s discernment of priesthood, but it should not be done in a vacuum.

Overcoming Fear of the Priesthood

The first principle to remember is that God does not speak through fear. Perhaps the priesthood has crossed your mind, but fear pushes the idea away…

FAQs about Priesthood

The purpose of a priest is to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. He does this primarily by preaching the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass.

Seven Stages of Discerning Priesthood

Please keep in mind that every vocation is a mystery, and thus every man passes through these stages differently on the way to priesthood.

Learn to Discern

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them.” – Pope Francis