This part may
involve many years. Some people think about priesthood for a long time
~ even from youth. Some, after discovering the call, act on it right
away. Others discover this call only later in life (for some, much later).
A good portion of internal discernment involves reflection, prayer,
and listening to God. Being involved in one's parish, going to Mass
regularly, receiving the sacraments, attempting some type of Christian
or community service, and trying to live a good Christian moral life
are just some of the ways that often help to bring one's call into
focus. Our diocese offers various programs to help the individual discern
his call from God. Some of these include Explorer Day and Saturday Mass
& Breakfast. If the person, after prayer and thought, decides
that he wants to proceed, he can then begin the application process.
Step Two: Application Process
For an individual
to apply, he must first meet several "external" criteria.
The applicant must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic male. He must
have at least completed high school or be within a year of completing
high school (e.g. High School Senior). The person must be in good health,
under fifty years old and not bound by marital obligations. He
also should have lived in the Diocese of San Diego for at least three
years. The candidate would then fill out the appropriate application
forms, submit sacramental certificates and academic transcripts, and
provide references. The candidate would also have several interviews
as well as undergo the necessary psychological testing and screening.
After the completion of the above, the Bishop and the formation staff
evaluate the candidate's application and then decide to accept the
candidate, reject the application, or defer it until some point in the
future.
Step Three: Formation
Our program
of priestly formation is flexible, depending the needs and situation
of a particular candidate. If a person comes straight from high
school or with some college without finishing a degree, he would normally
live at the St. Francis de Sales Center of Priestly Formation and attend
either the University of San Diego or a local public college.
He would work towards a B.A. in philosophy. It is also possible
for a man to participate in our program while attending college outside
of San Diego and even while continuing to work for a period of time.
Those who already have undergraduate degrees normally live at the St.
Francis Center and take a one to two year philosophy curriculum at USD.
Once the requisite
undergraduate courses have been completed, the candidate studies graduate
level theology at a major seminary, also called a theologate.
In general, formation includes academic studies (including studies of
scripture, theology, philosophy, Church history, pastoral studies, etc.),
spiritual direction (to help one grow in prayer), pastoral field work
(hands-on experience in parishes or other ministries), and communal
activities (including many things from prayer services to sports). Seminarians
The seminary
staffs are responsible for not just educating the seminarians but for
helping them and guiding them to become responsible and mature men who
are ready to embrace the life of joyful service that is priesthood.
Step Four: Ordination
After years
of education, training, and preparation, the seminarian may be called
to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is first ordained
a "transitional" deacon and then later, surrounded by family,
friends, the priests of the diocese, and other religious and lay leaders,
the bishop ordains the candidate to the priesthood. The ceremony, which
is held within a Mass, includes a testimony of his worthiness and an
affirmation by the assembly.
The candidate
then makes several solemn promises before God to the bishop. After that,
the lies prostrate on the floor as the Litany of Saints is sung. Then,
in an ancient gesture, the bishop lays hands on the candidate's head,
and then so do all the priests who are present. The bishop prays the
prayer of consecration. The new priest is vested in the priestly Mass
garments. His hands, which will offer the sacrifice of the Mass, are
">
then anointed with Sacred Chrism for their sacred duty. The bishop presents
him with bread and wine and offers him a greeting of peace as the other
priests welcome him into the Sacred Priesthood.
Now the person
is able to celebrate the sacraments, and the new priest is sent to a
parish to begin his life of service to the people of God.
