How long is priest

Because we have chosen a way of life, which says by its very nature that God is most important, prayer has a central role in our lives. Prayer is communication with the Lord whom we love and is as necessary for us as communication is for any two persons who expect their relationship to continue. Can you imagine having a best friend or husband or wife to whom you never spoke?

Since prayer is so important, most priests and religious spend approximately two hours a day in prayer; part of that time with others, at Mass and in common oral prayer; part alone, in reading and quiet attentiveness.

The main benefit of prayer is that it makes us more sensitive to God's activity in the people, events and circumstances of daily life. Definitely not! There are lots of times when we don't feel like doing other things that are basically important to us; for example, the athlete doesn't always feel like practicing, a student doesn't always feel like studying, the wage earner doesn't always feel like working, etc.

However, in all the cases mentioned, because the activity in which we participate is important, we act on motives deeper than feelings, and do what we know needs to be done. We have approximately the same amount of leisure time as most adults.

In this time, we are free to do whatever is legal, moral and reasonable for adults in our situation. Obviously, because priests are unique individuals, we won't all choose the same types of recreation, and none of us chooses the same activity every time.

Some common choices are sports, movies, TV, reading, sharing with friends and enjoying the outdoors. What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious priest? A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the Church within a well-defined area a diocese. He serves the people as a parish priest, but may also be involved in other forms of ministry: teaching, chaplain in a hospital or prison, campus ministry, etc.

A religious priest, on the other hand, is a member of a community, which goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese. A religious priest seeks to live a vowed life within a community of men for mutual support and accomplishment of some work. There is an emphasis in the community on shared ideals, prayer and commitment to Christ. Religious priests work in a wide variety of ministries. It usually takes four years after college or eight years after high school, the same as for many professions.

There is no certain age to start preparing for the priesthood. Some people go to high school seminaries. Others enter the seminary after high school, after college, or after they have been working for years.

Diocesan priests make no vows. For ordination, they freely make promises of celibacy, prayer, and obedience to their bishop. God can call a person at any age. Many dioceses and religious communities have age limit requirements, however, and not all sponsors will accept candidates who cannot be ordained by age 40, 50 or One must check in each case. Nevertheless, many factors besides one's age are considered and many sponsors judge each case on an individual basis.

Potential sponsors will address these issues. As with any candidate, younger or older, a desire or sense that one is called is only one of many significant factors in accepting a candidate for the seminary. The Church has many requirements, e. In many cases, age becomes an important factor, as noted above. One's desire for priesthood must be tested, taking into account these other factors as well as submitting to a process of discernment needed both by the individual and the sponsor.

It is important that we provide the best possible priests to serve the needs of the Church. The Catholic Church, in various official documents, has established the full program of preparation for priesthood. Requirements include a theological education, as well as an intensive program of spiritual formation, human formation, and pastoral preparation.

This comprehensive priesthood program is generally four years in length. The Priesthood What is Priesthood? Priestly Formation How long does it take to become a priest? What is Seminary like?

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Make a similar decision in the heart, this time against the particular option e. It is always worth working through step no. Prayer for light; to recognise what has emerged. Knowledge is not of itself a decision. The next stage is prayer for the grace to actually choose, taking account only of what God wills.

Seek confirmation. Often this confirmation comes over time, in the decisions made by others, and in the way things actually work out. As I have mentioned, discernment is a process; it is on-going. Throughout the process, there are three elements which must be present:. At some stage or other you will have to make a decision.

Some people put this off time and again due to fear, uncertainty, busyness or whatever. If you are being called to the priesthood know that the Church needs YOU! God needs YOU! He has chosen YOU for a specific purpose and task. One which only you can achieve. Make a decision! Make a difference! It helps to talk. Talking with someone about what is going on for you will help you to make sense of what is happening.

The Vocations Director , a friend, a local priest, someone you trust can definitely help. As the priest is called to serve the community, so too the community has a responsibility to help a person understand their calling.