Frequently Asked Questions ...

What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a priest who belongs to a religious community? A diocesan priest commits himself to a specific geographical location (diocese or archdiocese) and promises obedience to the bishop and the bishop's successors. Most diocesan priests live and minister is parishes. Some serve as chaplains, seminary faculty, canon lawyers, or in other special assignments. A priest who belongs to a religious community commits himself to the spiritual practices and charisms (mission) of the religious community, such as teaching, preaching, ministering to the poor, or missionary work. Members take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and live as a community.

Can a person who was married become a priest, religious brother, or sister? If a spouse has died or the marriage was annulled (determined to be invalid) by the Church, the marriage will not prelude ordination or acceptance into religious life.

Can a person who has some sexual experience ever become a priest? Maybe, but most dioceses and religious communities will require at least two years of celibacy (no sexual relations) for two years before acceptance into a formation program.

What happens if a person has a personal belief that goes against the institutional Church? Canonized saints have challenged the institutional Church. A spiritual director or vocation director can help a person sort out the essential elements of a vocation.

Do priests get paid? Priests in religious communities may work in paid employment, but their earning belong to the religious community. Diocesan priests keep their earnings and fringe benefits, and they pay taxes.

How long does it take to become a diocesan priest?

4-year college degree;
5-6 years in a seminary Program of Priestly Formation, including a Master of Divinity Degree.

How long does it take to become a priest, sister, or brother in a religious community? It takes 2-4 years as a postulant and a novice, living in a religious community and learning about it;
3-6 years of temporary vows, during which a person fully participates in the religious community;
Permanent vows (a lifetime commitment to religious life), after which a seminary Program of Priestly Formation may be undertaken.

What is a novice? A man or woman in the first formal stage of joining a religious community is called a novice. This stage is the novitiate and usually takes on to two years.

How does a person choose among the many different religious communities? Each religious community has a spirituality and purpose. Members of all religious communities participate in daily prayer. Apostolic (active) religious communities focus on service. Contemplative communities focus on prayer.