Application Process

"I think God is calling me... now, what do I do?"

Often when a young man experiences a sense of God’s call in his heart, many questions arise. The decision to “become a priest” may be accompanied by spiritual and practical questions. This page is designed to remove some of the mystery about entering the seminary by explaining the journey to the priesthood, beginning with the application to the seminary.

Initial Contact

A young man contacts the Vocation Director possibly after speaking with his parish priest, campus minister, or youth minister. During the initial meeting, the “candidate” provides some general information about himself and his interest in the priesthood. Together they discuss the application process and options available for seminary formation. The candidate is given an opportunity to ask any questions about seminary, priesthood, or the application process. The Vocation Director may encourage the candidate to meet with a spiritual director to further discern God's call.

Application Process

After the candidate has made the decision to enter the seminary, he begins the application process which includes: completing an application, compiling sacramental and academic records, health records, psychological assessment, letters of recommendation, background check, and participating in various interviews. The Vocation Director works closely with the candidate through this process. The application material is given to the Bishop for review and decision before he meets with the candidate.

Acceptance & Assignment to the Seminary

The candidate, who is accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River, is assigned to a seminary by the Bishop. The Vocation Director and the new seminarian work together to forward the necessary paperwork to the Seminary for approval. If he has not visited the seminary, the new seminarian may visit the seminary and meet some of the other seminarians studying for the Diocese of Fall River. He may interview with seminary personnel during the visit. A formal letter of acceptance is sent to the new seminarian with practical details about moving into the seminary in late summer.

Seminary Formation

Seminarians begin formation with the start of the new academic year. They attend classes, retreats, and participate in apostolic work. A Spiritual Director is assigned to each seminarian to assist in the formation process. In addition, each seminarian has an Academic Advisor at the seminary to provide necessary direction and assistance. Each summer, the Bishop assigns the seminarians to a particular pastoral work, such as assisting in a parish, hospital ministry, camp counselor, etc. The Vocation Director serves to assist the seminarian throughout the seminary formation process. The seminarian is expected to satisfactorily complete his undergraduate degree (followed by two years of philosophy studies if the degree is not in philosophy) prior to entering the program for his graduate theology degree.

Ordination

Prior to ordination, the seminarian is required to successfully complete the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree. The seminarian prepares for ordination as a transitional Deacon in January of his fourth year of theology. The Bishop assigns the newly ordained Deacon to assist in parish during the final semester while continuing classes at the seminary. In June of his final year of formation, the Deacon is called to Holy Orders by the Bishop and is ordained to the Priesthood.

Of course, there are are some variations in the journey depending on the individual’s life experience. This general outline, however, provides a brief description of the process that helps the Church and the candidate discern God’s call.

Some candidates contact the Vocation Director with a certainty that they feel God is calling them to the priesthood. Most, however, enter the seminary still asking, “Is God calling me?” The seminary is meant to be a place where God's call can be tested and discerned through prayer.

If you feel God may be calling you to the priesthood, take the first step and accept Jesus’ invitation: “Come and see.”