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Life's experiences guide many toward positions within the church that allow them to share their wisdom and passion for the faith. Many candidates experience the calling to become a priest early in their youth, while others may not know their purpose until much later in life. Regardless of what stage of life you are in, the following how to offers information on how to become a priest
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Life's experiences guide many toward positions within the church that allow them to share their wisdom and passion for the faith. Many candidates experience the calling to become a priest early in their youth, while others may not know their purpose until much later in life. Regardless of what stage of life you are in, the following how to offers information on how to become a priest
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Introduction
- Leading a congregation requires a great deal of responsibility, dedication and focus. As a priest, you become responsible for interpreting the Christian bible and sharing God's words and expectations with those who choose to follow you. Many men spend years in contemplation and prayer before becoming priests, seeking out guidance from God to assure that they are on the right path. That path often begins early one's life, but for others they may not find their calling to the church until much later.
Step 1: Get an Early Start
- Long before you begin your education to become a priest, it is important to involve yourself in your local parish. Not only should you attend mass regularly, but volunteering at the parish will give you a good idea of the rituals and their preparation behind mass.
- Preparing the altar
- Writing sermons
- Interacting with the congregation
Step 2: Contemplation
- Before committing yourself to the idea of becoming a priest, it's important to spend time in contemplation. Not only is it an incredible responsibility, but priests make a lot of sacrifices, including:
- Personal, romantic relationships
- Sexual activity
- Having a family
- Many priests are required to live solitary lives, devoting their time, their bodies and their lives to the church.
Step 3: Education
- Priests are expected to be well-rounded individuals. Through education and experience aspiring priests gain wisdom that in turn may be applied when it comes time to guide others through spiritual crisis and hardship. Before you can enter into seminary training you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a subject that will aid you in furthering your priesthood studies. Subjects which may benefit you in your future endeavors may include:
- Theology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Latin
- Literature
Step 4: Seminary School
- Once you've finished your bachelor's degree, you will enter into seminary school. The seminarian program will earn you a four-year graduate degree in theology. Seminary students face the same challenges as regular graduate degree students, with the added responsibility of shaping themselves spiritually.
Step 5: Pastoral Internship
- Many diocese require potential priesthood candidates to spend anywhere from one year to 18 months in a pastoral internship. During this time you will take vows of celibacy and obedience. This transitional period will allow your bishop to study your practice and discern whether you are ready to be ordained.
Conclusion
- The road to become a priest is a long one, filled with contemplation, prayer and educational experiences that will aid you when the time comes to guide others on their spiritual path. For many candidates, the experience begins with volunteering for the local parish. Individuals must spend a great deal of time contemplating what is right for them, including whether or not they will be able to make the sacrifices many priests are required to make. Before entering into four years of seminary school, candidates are required to obtain their bachelor's degree. A pastoral internship is required for the bishop you serve under to determine if you are ready to enter into lifelong service to the church. Becoming a priest is not a decision to enter into lightly, but if you find that you have doubts along the way, turn to God for guidance.
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