Vocations FAQ

What does a priest do?
For a diocesan priest, most days differ in the details, but the structure of daily prayer and service to parishioners is similar. Most priests have Mass in the morning and spend time in prayer. There is always office work that needs to be done; this consists of preparing homilies, RCIA classes, preparing for wedding and various letters and other paperwork. There are a number of meetings with individuals; this can include visiting the homebound, helping a married couple in crisis, or providing spiritual direction. There is of course weekend Masses. On many weekends there are Weddings and Baptisms. On an annual basis, there is First Communions and Confirmations. Priests also have four weeks of vacation each year and a week of retreat.

Do priests get lonely?
Everyone gets lonely at times in their life. Loneliness can occur even in the midst of a room full of people. Loneliness is solved mainly by having ourselves known by others; loneliness can be combated by knowing how to have solitude. The seminary trains a young man how to have moments of solitude in one’s life.  Solitude is needed for prayer and reflection on God’s Word and Action. Most priests seek out moments in their lives when they can be alone and quiet. As a priest, I have moments where I have felt alone, but I can honestly say that most of the time I do not get enough solitude because of my involvement in other people’s lives.

Do priests get paid?
Priests get a salary. This varies from diocese to diocese. While the salary is not staggering, it really ends up being discretionary income because the priest does not pay mortgage, utilities or most household expenses. The parish is responsible for the rectory and other household-related expenses of the priest. So the salary of the priest is usually used in the purchase of a car and clothes that he needs. The salary, when seen in this light, usually gives him far more freedom than many families. Also the priest is called to live a simple life.  This means filling his life with items that are necessary instead of items that are luxuries.

Do priests get time off and what do they do with their time?
A wise priest once told me that most people work two thirds of their day and that is what a priest should do.  So a priest has time for leisure. How this off time is spent differs from priest to priest. Some actually like to play video games, others like to hike and be outdoors and others spend a lot of time reading.  The point is that there is time to enjoy the things in life that make you who you are. We have approximately the same amount of leisure time as most adults. Obviously, because priests are unique individuals, we won't all choose the same types of recreational activity, and no one of us choose the same activity every time.

Are priests ever attracted to the opposite sex?
Yes, we are. Nothing happens to us at the time of entering the seminary that eliminates normal human needs, feelings, or desires.  What does change by the end of formation is your love for God and being faithful to your call. This love along with grace motivates a young man to be faithful to this call. So while a priest might be momentarily attracted to a woman, his desire to remain faithful to his calling and grace quickly moves him beyond the moment.  Seminaries pay special attention in the proper training in the area of celibacy, so that it can lived in a mature and responsible manner. The programs are designed not only intellectually, but also in the practical application. Just as a married man must always act in faithfulness to his spouse, a priest must learn how to act in faithfulness to his spouse the Church.

What is the process of entering the seminary?
The process can be a bit intimidating, but you are not alone during the process!  Applications are required for both the seminary and the diocese.  Letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, work/school history, family history, sacramental records and an autobiography are necessary.  A doctor’s physical examination is required.  Most importantly, the Church requires psychological examinations as well. This examination is quite lengthy and very comprehensive.  Obviously, the Church relies on the expertise of professionals to assist her in determining the suitability of a candidate.  But, in addition, the experience will also help the candidate grow in self-knowledge which is important for maturity and spiritual growth.

What is seminary like?
Seminary life is quite similar to college life; both follow the same academic schedule, both require discipline and focus, and both are great opportunities for growth, personal development and, quite frankly, both are very enjoyable.  But the seminary also offers great opportunities for silence and reflection, for prayer and meditation, for contemplation of theology and philosophy. The seminary provides spiritual directors, formation directors, academic direction, conferences and retreats.  Most importantly, the seminary offers a man the privilege of daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Liturgy of the Hours. Finally, the friendships which are made in seminary will carry a man throughout his priesthood as well as his life.  Seminary can be difficult, but it is a challenge worth accepting.

When is the decision to be a priest final?
The decision is not final until the Bishop lays his hands upon your head at your ordination. That can be eight years (if you start seminary without previously acquiring a degree) or six years (if you have already completed undergrad work).  A man must also consider his responsibility he has toward the good people of God who are supporting him with prayers, hope and financial contributions.  If he does not believe God is calling him to the priesthood, he should abandon the seminary and move on with his life.  Otherwise, there is plenty of time for formation and maturation.  Transparency and openness with ones spiritual director, vocation director, rector and bishop, will ensure your decision is authentic and of God.

What if I already have a 4-year college degree?
Many men today have four-year undergraduate degrees (and, in some cases, masters-level degrees) in disciplines outside the liberal arts. Because Theology or "Major" Seminaries require a minimum number of undergraduate credits in philosophy (24 hours) and theology (12 hours), men enroll in a Theology or "Major" Seminary and complete a preliminary priestly formation program termed "pre-theology."