What are the age requirements for those applying to the seminary?
The requirements differ somewhat between dioceses and religious orders.  In our diocese, applicants to the seminary are to have at least completed his high school education.  Those entering seminary or religious life are usually young adults.  For older applicants, concerns such as health and adaptability must be first addressed in the application process.  That being said, it is never too early or too late to think about the priesthood or religious life.  If you think that your age might be a factor in your vocation discernment, please contact your diocesan or religious vocational director.  You can also refer to Canon Law No. 1031 in regards to the specifics.

 

Should I be taking any specific courses to prepare for the priesthood? 
There are a few courses that can help one to prepare for studies at the seminary.  Philosophy can be useful, especially courses that focus on the ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, as well as medieval philosophers like St. Thomas Aquinas.  History courses can help one to get a better understanding of the human condition throughout the course of history. 

However, it is important to note that the seminary itself will prepare a person for the type of academic work that is required.  For example there are courses that develop one’s capacity to read and write philosophical and theological papers.  The fact is that the majority of priests and men studying for the priesthood come from a variety of academic backgrounds.  Most of them didn’t major in philosophy or theology, and many of them began their studies with little or no preparation at all.  But through hard work and by God’s grace they’ve managed to be successful in their studies at the seminary.  

 

Should I begin college/university, or should I enter the seminary immediately after high school?  
It is perfectly fine for a high school student to consider his or her vocation.  Most seminaries require at least a high school education, but diocesan programs like the high school associates will be perfect for younger men who are already discerning.  It might be helpful to take a look at the programs this diocese offers for specific age groups.  Contact your pastor or vocation director if you need further information.

A word of advice for teenagers discerning: start looking into ways to improve your life as a whole in relation to the Church.  That means a habit of daily prayer, frequent sacraments (Eucharist and confession), active participation in parish ministry, and seeking out a spiritual director.  Also, consider making known your intention to discern to your family and/or other Catholics you trust (such as your pastor).  The Church is very supportive of vocations even amongst teenagers, and you will most likely be amazed at the answers you will receive given the proper assistance.

Parents may not want their son to enter seminary for practical reasons, such as lack of education, maturity or life experience, and it is wise to give their opinions serious consideration.  However, by the time a seminarian begins his theological studies, he will already have achieved a quality university-level degree in philosophy.  In addition, the life experience gained through the community life at the seminary, as well as through exposure to many aspects of society at large, will help to properly form a man for this particular vocation. 

 

Should I finish college/university, or should I enter the seminary?
There’s no one answer to this question.  University can certainly offer a different and exciting experience to a young person, and many choose to apply to the seminary after receiving their university degrees.   Mostly it boils down to when one becomes certain that God is calling them into committing seriously into discernment.  Whether one chooses to apply to the seminary or not right out of high school will depend greatly on how ready they are, both spiritually and in terms of maturity.  It is best to ask for advice, preferably from a priest, such as the vocations director.

One the one hand, it may be a wise decision for someone to “finish what one started”.  It’s important to realize that while someone may ultimately have calling to the priesthood/religious life, the Lord may be temporarily calling that person to remain faithful to his/her studies at the present time.  Also, the education and exposure to different ideologies can help make someone a better-rounded individual – a positive quality for a priest or religious to have. 

On the other hand, some programs or universities may offer a poor environment for someone who wants to grow in their faith.  In this situation, a person who feels strongly called to the priesthood may decide that it is better to enter the seminary.  However, another option is for a person to join a Catholic chaplaincy on campus, or to get more involved in a strong parish youth group, in order to maintain his/her faith and receive support from a community.  Either way, it is wise to seek help from the vocation director or spiritual advisor.  In these situations it is crucial that you don’t walk the spiritual journey alone, and to always keep these sorts of questions within the context of prayer. 

 

Will I be able to watch TV?  Use a computer?

• Yes.  Seminary life is not one which is completely isolated from the world, particularly because diocesan priests must be in the world (although not of the world).  TV and computers are therefore a part of seminary life.  It is important for the priest to be able to relate to his parishioners, and to be able to touch their lives in a concrete way.  For this reason, diocesan priests, along with seminarians, are allowed to watch TV and use computers.

What are the qualifications for entering the seminary?

• There is a very rigorous application process for applying to the seminary – one which covers a very broad basis, from physical health to psychological health, to the spiritual health of the candidate.  The main thing that the seminary is looking for is whether or not the candidate is willing to be formed.  That is, if the young man’s desire to follow Christ in the priesthood is such that He is willing to accept the formation that will be given to him during his years in the seminary.  The basic qualifications would be these: you must be a man who is serious about his faith and fully willing to undergo formation.

If I enter the seminary, does this mean that I am committed for life?
No.  The formation and guidance one receives while being in the seminary are integral parts in his discernment process.  If, at some point a man discovers that God is calling him to another vocation, he is free to leave the seminary.  His time spent in formation will not have gone to waste.  Rather, the human and spiritual development experienced in the seminary will prove to be quite beneficial for any other vocation. 

 

What kind of courses will I study as a seminarian?
There is quite a variety of areas that a seminarian will cover during his studies at the seminary.  However, the main subjects covered are: philosophy, theology, Scripture, Church history, liturgy, and pastoral ministry. 

 

Why is it necessary that seminarians first study philosophy before they begin other studies?
The Church teaches that the existence of God, and therefore absolute truth, can be known both through the light of reason and through revelation (i.e. Scripture).  However, much of secular society fails to acknowledge the validity of anything revealed or supernatural, and so the ability to argue for the existence of God and absolute truth using reason alone is of great value. 

Priests must be equipped with the sound reasoning skills developed in a good philosophy program in order to address secular ideas and “make a defence to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).  Furthermore, a strong philosophical background and the ability to reasonably explain one’s beliefs will help to prevent the faith from becoming a superstition or “fideism”. 

In addition to equipping a priest for the defence of truth and the faith, philosophy provides valuable tools for evangelization.  St. Paul made extensive use of reason to evangelize and catechize in places such as Athens and Corinth – whose inhabitants had a steep tradition of philosophy. 

For these reasons, the Church requires each seminarian to be first educated in a solid philosophy program.  Quoting the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Training of Priests, 15, the Church says: “Philosophical subjects should be taught in such a way as to lead the students gradually to a solid and consistent knowledge of man, the world, and God.  The students should rely on that philosophical patrimony which is forever valid, but should also take account of modern philosophical studies.”

 

Should one take care of outstanding debts before entering the seminary or religious life?
It is the expectation of the Church that its servants are also good stewards of the wealth they are given.  Part of that expectation is money management.  Debts such as university loans should be well on their way of being paid off, since after all a seminarian will not be able to work during his time in formation.  There are some extraneous circumstances, however, that can qualify one for financial assistance or to pay off certain debts.  This information is best provided by the vocations director.