“I think God is calling me. What do I do now?”

Often when a young man hears a calling to the priesthood, many questions develop.  His discernment about “becoming a priest” really should include these practical and spiritual questions.  Here we give a brief overview of what happens from when the young man contacts the vocations office to the day he is, God willing, ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

Initial Contact

At this first stage, a young man calls the Vocations Office and set up a meeting to speak with the Vocations Director. This can be an exciting, and frighting, moment! There is however no need to be afraid. This will be an informal meeting where the young man can ask questions about the priesthood, the diocese, and the application process.

This is also an opportunity for the Vocation Director to learn more about the possible applicant. He will ask about the young man’s life, his education, his work experience, his spiritual life, how he came to discover the call to the priesthood, and why he wants to be a priest. He may also ask about celibacy, personal relationships, and other details that may be relevant. If both parties are agreed, the young man will continue the application process.

Application

After the candidate has made the decision to pursue the possibility of a priestly vocation, he begins the application process which includes: the completion of a confidential application form with an autobiography and work history, the compiling of sacramental and academic records, a physical examination and submission of health records, psychological assessment, letters of recommendation, background checks, written responses to questions related to the priesthood, and interviews with diocesan staff. The complete application is reviewed by the Vocations Director, the admissions board, and then given to the Bishop for his review and final decision.

Acceptance and Assignment to the Seminary

The candidate who is accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Sacramento is now assigned to a major or minor seminary by the Bishop, depending upon what academic level the candidate has completed.  The Vocation Director then provides the new seminarian with the application form necessary for entrance to that particular seminary. An application process very similar to the one undertaken in joining the Diocese now takes place. Along with completing the application, he will be asked to interview with seminary faculty during a visit to the seminary campus. Once he is accepted, he will move on to the seminary and begin formation.

Seminary Formation

Seminarians start the academic year in the Fall and participate in classes, apostolic work (in a hospital, parish, etc.), an annual retreat, and community events. Each seminarian chooses a spiritual director and receives a formation adviser. These two formation members are a critical part of his formation as a priest and will be strong guides on his path to the priesthood. During the summers, he will have different assignments depending on his year of study which may include additional parish work, Camp Pendola, Clinical Pastoral Experience (CPE), and Spanish Immersion.

Ordination

Prior to ordination, the seminarians are required to take a pastoral year as well as complete the required four years of theological studies and priestly formation at a major seminary. The seminarian prepares for ordination as a transitional Deacon at some point following the third year of theological studies. Following his successful completion of the academic degree, usually a Masters of Divinity, from the university he attends while in major seminary, the Deacon is called to Holy Orders by the Bishop and is ordained to the Priesthood.

This is a general outline. Obviously every vocation is unique and at times there are variations for different reasons. For more information, please contact the Vocations Office.