{"id":23843,"date":"2023-09-20T08:10:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T12:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutcatholics.com\/?p=23843"},"modified":"2023-09-27T08:13:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T12:13:44","slug":"how-are-catholic-priests-chosen-and-ordained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.aboutcatholics.com\/beliefs\/how-are-catholic-priests-chosen-and-ordained\/","title":{"rendered":"How are Catholic Priests Chosen and Ordained?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In the Catholic Church, the role of a priest is considered one of the holiest and most sacred vocations. Priests are entrusted with the spiritual care of their congregations, administering sacraments, providing pastoral guidance, and acting as intermediaries between the faithful and God. But how are these individuals selected and ordained to join the priesthood and carry out such a significant role in the Catholic faith? In this post, we will explore the intricate process of how priests are chosen and ordained within the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journey to becoming a priest begins with a deep sense of vocation, a calling from God to serve His people. Potential candidates often feel this calling from an early age but may also discover it later in life. This initial discernment is a critical step in the process. Individuals who believe they have a vocation to the priesthood are encouraged to speak with their parish priest or a spiritual director to further explore their calling. You can not become a priest in the Catholic Church without going through discernment and calling. Priesthood is not something just handed to you by blood or by birthright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once a candidate discerns a genuine calling to the priesthood, they enter a seminary, a specialized institution for priestly formation and education. Seminary programs typically last around six years and include both academic and spiritual components. During this time, candidates study theology, philosophy, scripture, and pastoral ministry, while also deepening their spiritual life through prayer, meditation, and reflection. Going to a Seminary is a vital role in a candidate\u2019s journey to priesthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before a candidate can proceed to ordination, they must undergo a thorough screening process. This process includes background checks, psychological evaluations, and interviews with experienced priests and spiritual directors. The church authorities want to ensure that candidates are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for the responsibilities of priesthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once a candidate successfully completes the screening process, they are admitted to the formal stage of discernment known as the Rite of Candidacy. During this rite, the candidate publicly expresses their intention to become a priest. It is a significant step, as it marks their commitment to continue their formation with the ultimate goal of ordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before becoming a priest, candidates are typically ordained as transitional deacons<\/a>. The diaconate ordination marks an intermediate step in their journey towards priesthood. Deacons can perform some of the sacraments, such as baptism and marriage, but cannot consecrate the Eucharist. This period of service as a deacon allows candidates to gain practical experience in pastoral ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Steps to Priesthood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n