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ON
THIS PAGE!
Find
out if the religious or priestly vocation is for you. Find out what
the Archdiocese does. Find out who can be a priest. Get answers here
to your deepest questions.
What
is a Vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life?
A
vocation to the priesthood or religious life is a call from God to
serve Him and His kingdom in a special way.
Did
you know that every single person in this world has a vocation given
to them by God. First and foremost is the vocation we all share, and
that is the vocation to strive every day towards holiness. We are all
called to love and serve God, to obey his commandments, and to follow
the example of Christ in the divine work of redemption by loving,
serving, and helping others to the best of our abilities. We all
share this vocation, but each of us lives it in a special way
according to the plan of God.
Some
of us are called to live out this vocation of service and holiness
through the vocation of the priesthood or religious life. Some men
are called to be priests and deacons. Some men and women are called
to be religious brothers and sisters. Are you one of them?
What
about marriage and family? Marriage is also a vocation, and the one
that most people are called to. While some religious disciplines do
not permit married clergy, the Archdiocese permits those who are in
valid sacramental marriages to take Holy Orders, as well as those who
are priests and deacons to marry with permission of their religious
superior. Those who are called to the religious life, however
(religious brothers and sisters), must be unmarried and remain so.
This is a unique calling of complete devotion, and is certainly not
for everyone. Click
here for more about religious vocations.
There
is another religious vocation for the married laity, though. The
third order of a religious order in most cases permits married
members, both men and women. Click
here for more about religious vocations.
How
can I respond to God's call?
God
has a special plan for you. That plan began when you were baptized,
and it continues to be revealed to you piece by piece throughout your
life. All you have to do is pay attention to it.
Do
you have thoughts about what your future should be like?
Do
you think about where you are going and what you should be
doing
with your life?
Do
you think perhaps you should be doing something else with your life?
If
you have questions about your vocation, about what you should be
doing with your life, and are trying to find ways to better serve
God, you are not alone. Many are seeking answers to those questions.
This process of seeking, of looking inside yourself, of trying to
find the truth of God's plan for you with selfless motivation is a
key part of the discernment process. Don't worry about whether or not
you are up to the challenge of being a priest. If it is truly your
vocation, then God will grant you every grace and help needed.
But
how do I know if I am even called to a Priestly Vocation?
Have you ever
had a thought that you might be nearing a major cross-road in your
life? Does the notion of becoming a priest keep recurring in your
thoughts, even after you thought you put the idea behind you and
moved on? Are you energized by your relationship with God to the
point that you want to share this experience with others and help
them on their spiritual journey? If you answered yes to some of these
questions, then you might have a vocation to the priesthood.
But
what if I am afraid to tell my friends and family about my desire to
be a priest?
This is one
of the surest signs (taken with some of the other ones above) that
you might be called to the priesthood.
But
what if I am scared to be a priest?
This is also
normal and a good sign. It says that you know the grave
responsibility of being a priest and are likely considering entering
it for the right reasons. Pray to God and beg the intercessions of
the Blessed Virgin for guidance and strength.
How
do I figure out what to do?
You must
be active in your discernment process.
1. Spend
plenty of time in prayer.
2. Talk to a
priest regularly about your discernment. Get spiritual direction form
him to see where God is leading you.
3. Talk to
priests and seminarians and find out what led them to be a priest and
why they are fulfilled by their vocation.
4. Talk to
others who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
5. Receive
the sacraments often.
Who
may become a priest?
Any single or
married Christian male who is willing to dedicate his life to the
service of God can become a priest in the Archdiocese. Married
priests must have or obtain sacramental marriages, and previously-married
candidates must obtain annulments of prior marriages.
A Bachelor's
degree in almost any field is generally required, and graduate
degrees are considered a plus. However, the calling from God is more
important than a degree. Seminarians must complete the course of
study outlined for St. George Theological Seminary or the equivalent
course of study at another seminary. In accordance with the Canons,
an examination of the candidate is required before ordination.
We are a
mission-oriented church. A priest in this Archdiocese will generally
be also employed in a secular job. A priest in this Archdiocese can
expect to be actively involved in mission work. This doesn't mean the
deepest reaches of the jungle (though you may go there if you wish!),
but rather your own neighborhood and your own community. You will be
expected to work in parish seed planting and parish growth, spreading
the beauty of the traditional liturgy and the life-giving brilliance
of the Word of God.
General
Requirements
All
Applicants must be of legal age 18 or older
All
Applicants must submit a criminal background check
All
Applicants must submit a Psychological Evaluation
All
Applicants must accept to be guided by the Code of Canon Law of the
Archdiocese of the Southwest
All
Applicants must submit to the authority of the Primate,
Metropolitans, Ordinaries and others placed in a position of
authority over them
All
Applicants must support the Archdiocese of the Southwest by a
faithful stewardship of their time talents and treasures (tithes and offerings)
All
Applicants must complete the prescribed course of training and study
before admittance into Holy Orders
All
Applicants must provide sufficient proof of Water Baptism and Confirmation
Diaconate
Minimum
age of 18
Candidates
for the Permanent or Transitional Diaconate must complete a course
of instruction equivilent to catechist as defined by the Council for
the Clergy AND once monthly training seminars at the parish level for
six months; compliance with ALL general requirements; endorsement by
the Rector of the intended parish the Deacon will service.
Presbyterate
Minimum
age of 21
Candidates
for the prebyterate must meet the requirements for the diaconate
(and be Deacons), with the additional requirement of a Bachelor
Degree with major study in Divinity, Theology, Religion,
Spirituality, Pastoral Ministry, Philosophy, or Canon Law - OR - any
Bachelor Degree WITH a Master Degree in ANY of the preceding - OR -
any Bachelor and Master Degree with appropriate priestly formation
education as defined by the Council for the Clergy; endorsement of
all rectors previously served; completion of any additional training
required by the Council for the Clergy; successful completion of the
General Ordination Examination and its accompanying Oral Defense
Boards as scheduled by the Archdiocese and National Church. Exceptions
may be granted in special cases.
On
lateral admission of Clergy from Catholic Traditions
The
Archdiocese welcomes the application of orthodox clergy of mature
age, sober and moral thought, and a commitment to the service of the
Church in search of a spiritual home more closely alligned to thier
vocation or understanding thereof. The Diocese accepts for the
purposes of formation the standard seminary course and Orders of the
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Churches in Union with Rome, and
selected Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican traditions that maintain
the unbroken Apostolic Succession, Tridentine Theology, Marian
eschatology, and male priesthood. |
