Vocation Office -- The Process

What is a Diocesan Priest and Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is a diocesan priest?

A diocesan priest is a priest ordained to serve a diocese or faith community like the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He usually lives and serves in a parish. At ordination, he makes promises of celibacy and obedience. He does not take a vow of poverty but is paid a salary from which he must pay for his car, gas, clothes and personal needs.

What does a priest do all day?

The basic ministry of a diocesan priest is to proclaim God’s presence in every phase of people’s lives. He spends much of his time preaching, teaching, and preparing for and celebrating the sacraments--Eucharist, Reconciliation, Baptism, Marriage and Anointing of the Sick. He sets time aside each day for prayer. He visits people in their homes, offers counseling and spiritual guidance, and participates in a full range of parish and community activities. Like anyone else, he must also find time for exercise, rest and recreation--time to do the things he enjoys, like reading, sports, music, hobbies.

Who qualifies?

A single man with adequate intelligence, emotional stability, a habit of generosity and a sincere love of God, qualifies for priesthood. He should enjoy working with a variety of people and be committed to spreading the Gospel of Christ through priestly ministry.

How long does it take?

That depends on the individual, his background, and when he starts preparation. If he is a college graduate with no previous seminary experience, it will probably take six years. A high school graduate will have four years of college and four years of theology studies. For a college transfer student, it will depend on his transferrable credits.

Where does a New Orleans seminarian go to college?

A high school graduate or college transfer student studying for the Archdiocese of New Orleans attends St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, a fully accredited liberal arts college which offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and a formation program for men considering the possibility of priesthood. A college graduate attends Notre Dame Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in New Orleans, which offers a Master of Divinity degree and a complete priestly formation program.

Am I committing myself to being a priest by coming to the seminary?

A seminarian is not committed to being a priest, but to exploring the possibility of priesthood as a life choice. The seminary formation program helps him test his happiness living the life of a priest. A seminarian grows through prayer, study, ministry, fraternity, celibacy and spiritual direction. A regular evaluation of his progress helps him make a decision to enter the next stage of priestly formation. A seminarian who leaves formation at any stage may transfer to any college program and has lost nothing except his uncertainty about being a priest.

Why be a priest?

Everyone is looking for meaning and fulfillment in life. For a Christian, life’s meaning is related to serving God. Many people serve God and find meaning and joy in the vocation of marriage. But some men feel the Lord calling them to a different kind of service and lifestyle in the Church. Priesthood is a special way of serving the Christian community as a leader in prayer and service, as a brother and a “father.” Maybe it’s the right choice for you.

How can I know if seminary is the place for me?

The Archdiocese Vocation Office has a variety of ways to help a man know if seminary is for him. There are weekend retreats, monthly support groups, visits to seminary, spiritual direction and individual consultation. There are opportunities to speak with seminarians and priests and hear their vocations stories. Contact our office and let us help you explore the possibilities.