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. There are many other ways to discern. Your vocation director needs to be a part of this process.

The following assessment will include 20 questions. With each question, rate yourself on a scale of 0–5. A rating of 0 means you do not possess the sign at all. A 5 indicates that the sign is very evident in your life. The highest possible score is 100. Be completely honest with yourself and rate yourself fairly.

1. 
I love Jesus Christ and I have a thirst to bring Jesus and his teachings to the world.

2. 
I am endeavoring to be a believing, practicing Catholic Christian.

3. 
I am trying to live a life of prayer and I desire a life of prayer.

4. 
I am trying to serve others and I desire a life of service to others.

5. 
I feel a desire to be a priest, though it is sometimes stronger than at other times.

6. 
I have had others tell me that I should be a priest or that I would make a good priest.

7. 
Prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture leads me to believe I might be called to be a priest.

8. 
I am endeavoring to live virtuously.

9. 
I like to be around people and I have sufficient social skills to engage others.

10. 
I have enough intelligence to complete graduate-level coursework and function as a priest

11. 
I think that I have the physical, emotional and psychological stability to become a priest.

12. 
I am joyful and I have a good sense of humor.

13. 
I think that I have a “priest’s heart,” as described in this chapter.

14. 
I believe that I have the self-mastery to be a good priest.

15. 
Generally speaking, I have demonstrated stability in life style.

16. 
People who know me would say I am a Christian gentleman.

17. 
I have had events happen in my life that seem to be signs pointing towards diocesan priesthood.

18. 
I am usually able to accept both success and failure without losing my peace.

19. 
I believe that I have a healthy psycho-sexual development and orientation.

20. 
I am trying to be truly open to the will of God for my life.

First Name
Last Name
Email
Phone
Parish

Next: Overcoming fear of the Priesthood

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