How To Become a Catholic Priest

Becoming a Catholic priest is a vocational calling that often grows from a deep commitment to faith, service, and the Catholic Church. For many, it begins with prayerful discernment and guidance from church leaders.

The path to ordination includes several required steps, including formal education, spiritual formation, and pastoral experience. Catholic seminary training plays a central role in this process, along with ongoing evaluation and preparation before ordination. Below, we’ll give you more details on becoming an ordained Catholic priest.

Priest Responsibilities at the Catholic Church

Within the Catholic Church, priests play an incredibly important role in leading their religious communities. Priests are often described as shepherds of their flock, spiritually guiding the people who have trusted them and look to them for assistance on matters inside and sometimes outside the church.

Priests are generally responsible for upholding and completing duties related to the Catholic Church's seven sacraments. They may assist with baptism, marriage, confirmation, confessions, Holy Communion, holy orders, and anointing the sick.

Depending on the type of priest (diocesan or religious), priests may also visit the ill, become involved in religious education programs, provide pastoral care and guidance, serve as educators, or work as missionaries. In some cases, priests are cloistered in monasteries.

Religious Priests vs. Diocesan Priests

Though ''priest'' is often used to refer to all types of priests within the Catholic Church, there are significant differences between religious priests and diocesan priests in Catholicism.

Religious priests live within a community, or they may be cloistered. They dedicate their lives to the church and the Gospel, and they take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They work closely with individuals and apostolates, those who work almost as missionaries in the community, to educate others about the word of Christ. Religious priests often belong to a specific religious order, such as the Franciscans or the Jesuits.

On the other hand, diocesan priests belong to a specific diocese or a territory within a community. This is different from belonging to and living in a religious community and potentially being cloistered. Diocesan priests may live alone or with other priests, and they take a vow to live a life of simplicity alongside vows of obedience and celibacy. A diocesan priest will often serve under one diocese throughout their time as a priest, and they may act as parish priests, traveling to different parishes to complete their duties.

For many, the diocesan priesthood is what they choose when they feel the calling to serve God and follow their spiritual direction.

Baseline Priest Requirements

Every candidate for the priesthood must meet universal Catholic Church expectations. Candidates must be baptized males who have also received the sacrament of confirmation and live an active Catholic life. They are expected to be single, unmarried, and free from obligations that would prevent them from living a celibate lifestyle. Personal character is equally important: seminarians must show maturity, integrity, and the ability to commit to daily prayer and sacramental life.

Most men enter priestly formation in their twenties or thirties, though older candidates are sometimes accepted after careful review. A health evaluation and psychological screening are typically required, along with a thorough background check. Each diocese or religious order may also set its own additional criteria, such as residency or academic readiness, before admitting someone into seminary.

Steps To Become a Catholic Priest

If you are interested in becoming a Catholic priest, you must follow the required steps. These steps are required to help you understand more about the Catholic Church's teachings and requirements, in addition to letting you figure out if you are prepared for this life-long commitment.

1. Discern Your Vocation and Contact a Vocation Director

Discerning a vocation means prayerfully considering whether God is calling you to the priesthood. Candidates spend time in daily prayer, attend Mass regularly, and often seek guidance through spiritual direction. Active participation in parish life, such as altar serving, volunteering, or joining prayer groups, also helps men listen more closely to God’s call.

The next step is contacting a vocation director from your local diocese or chosen religious order. These directors provide guidance, answer questions, and invite men to retreats or “come and see” weekends. Such events allow candidates to experience seminary life firsthand and meet others exploring the same calling.

2. Confirm Eligibility and Readiness

Eligibility checks begin with sacramental and personal status. Candidates must be confirmed Catholics, free from marriage or family obligations, and within the acceptable age range. Citizenship or residency requirements also apply, depending on the diocese.

Beyond these basics, candidates are evaluated for academic readiness and overall health. A background screening, letters of reference, and interviews ensure integrity and maturity. This stage confirms that the applicant is capable of handling both the academic and spiritual responsibilities of priestly formation.

3. Begin the Application and Assessments

Applying to seminary involves submitting an extensive packet. Candidates typically provide transcripts, a detailed autobiographical essay, and recommendations from pastors, teachers, or mentors. This documentation helps the diocese or religious order understand the applicant’s background, faith journey, and readiness for formation.

The process also includes psychological evaluations and personal interviews. Admission committees review all materials carefully before extending an invitation to seminary. These steps ensure that candidates are both spiritually and emotionally prepared for the demands of priestly life.

4. Complete Philosophy and Pre-Theology (If Needed)

If a candidate has not studied philosophy, he will usually begin with undergraduate courses or a two-year pre-theology program. These studies provide the intellectual framework for deeper theological reflection and sharpen skills in logic and reasoning. Philosophy also helps seminarians understand how faith and reason work together in the Catholic tradition.

Typical courses cover ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, medieval thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, and modern philosophy. Students also study logic, metaphysics, and ethics. These courses may seem abstract, but they train future priests to approach questions of faith with clarity, consistency, and critical thinking.

5. Enter Theology and Seminary Formation

Theology studies form the heart of seminary training. Four key pillars guide the process: human formation, spiritual development, intellectual study, and pastoral training. Students take courses in Scripture, moral theology, liturgy, church history, and dogmatic theology.

Seminary life also includes daily prayer, community activities, and regular evaluations. Living in community helps seminarians grow in discipline, humility, and pastoral sensitivity, all of which prepare them for future ministry.

6. Engage in Supervised Ministry and Pastoral Assignments

During formation, seminarians gain hands-on experience in ministry. They are assigned to parishes, hospitals, or schools where they serve under supervision. Summer placements often provide additional opportunities for real-world training.

These experiences help seminarians develop practical skills in preaching, catechesis, pastoral counseling, and leadership. By serving in diverse environments, candidates grow into well-rounded priests capable of ministering to varied communities.

7. Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate

Before becoming priests, seminarians are ordained as transitional deacons. This step includes the formal call to orders, public promises of celibacy and obedience, and a commitment to daily prayer and service. It is a significant milestone that marks the candidate’s readiness for ordained ministry.

Deacons usually serve in this role for about a year while completing their theology studies. Their duties include proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, preaching homilies, baptizing infants, and witnessing marriages. They also assist at the altar during liturgy and often take on parish service projects. This stage provides valuable experience in sacramental and pastoral ministry while giving the Church a chance to further evaluate the candidate’s readiness for priesthood.

8. Ordination to the Priesthood

Priestly ordination takes place through the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration by the bishop. At this moment, the new priest receives the authority to celebrate the sacraments, including the Eucharist, reconciliation, and anointing of the sick.

Following ordination, new priests are typically assigned to parishes where they serve under experienced pastors. These early years include mentorship and continued formation, helping priests grow into their responsibilities.

9. Ongoing Formation and Specialized Ministry

Priestly formation does not end at ordination. Priests are expected to continue growing spiritually and intellectually throughout their lives. This includes attending annual retreats, participating in ongoing spiritual direction, and taking part in continuing education programs.

Many dioceses also encourage priests to pursue advanced degrees or certifications in specialized areas. Some focus on canon law, while others move into teaching roles at seminaries or Catholic universities. Others may choose chaplaincy in hospitals, schools, or the military. Missionary work, campus ministry, and pastoral leadership in multicultural communities are also common areas of service.

Understanding People of God and Religious Order in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church teaches that there is only one God and that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God. The Holy Trinity is important in Catholic teachings, and it includes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Additionally, Catholicism teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin and that the only way to reach Heaven is through salvation through the Catholic Church.

Individuals who practice Catholicism follow the 10 commandments and complete basic requirements such as:

• attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days
• fasting and abstaining on specific days
• confessing sins at least once a year
• receiving Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist) on Easter
• contributing and tithing to the support of the Catholic Church

Individuals may practice their faith in many ways, and some may be more strict about it than others.

Roles in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has several roles. The highest is the pope, who is seen as the head of the Church on Earth. Pope Francis is the current pope.

Cardinals are the second-highest ranking. These are bishops who have been given a special designation by the pope to be the next acting pope; they are eligible to vote in papal elections.

Bishops are below cardinals and the pope, and a bishop will generally oversee a specific diocese, which is a specific geographic area. Priests within the Catholic Church work under the bishop and travel to different parishes within the diocese to complete their priestly duties.

Deacons also exist in a specific diocese, and these individuals may assist the bishop or a priest. Deacons are often individuals who are on their way to becoming ordained Catholic priests.

Trends in Catholic Priest Vocations

In recent years, the number of seminarians in the United States has remained steady, though smaller than in past generations. According to CARA and the USCCB, around 500 men are ordained each year, with the average age at ordination in the mid-30s. Many new priests are foreign-born, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church.

Some dioceses, particularly in the South and Midwest, have reported increases in vocations, while others still face shortages. These trends show that while challenges remain, interest in priestly life continues to grow in specific regions.

Challenges and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that anyone can quickly become a priest. In reality, the process is highly selective and takes many years of preparation. Candidates must commit to celibacy, obedience, and rigorous academic study.

Priestly formation also requires emotional maturity and resilience. The lifestyle can be demanding, with long hours and heavy responsibilities. Despite these challenges, those who complete the journey find deep fulfillment in serving God and their communities.

FAQs About Becoming a Catholic Priest

Our answers to the following frequently asked questions can help you understand more about becoming a Catholic priest.

What Age Do You Have To Be To Become a Catholic Priest?

Most dioceses require candidates to be at least 25 at the time of ordination. Younger men may begin seminary earlier, but ordination typically comes after years of formation. Exceptions may be made, but age guidelines ensure maturity and readiness.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Catholic Priest?

Becoming a Catholic priest is not a short process, and potential priests must complete some religious studies and a general high school education before the seminary application process. During seminary, priest candidates may take between six and 10 years of study to complete their studies and become officially ordained.

Do Catholic Priests Get Paid?

Yes, priests do receive a salary, though it is modest compared to many professions. Compensation usually includes housing, health care, and a stipend for living expenses. Salaries vary by diocese, but the focus of priestly life is on service rather than financial gain.

How Much Does a Catholic Priest Make?

The income of a Catholic priest varies greatly depending on the diocese, years of practice, and level within the Catholic Church. According to America: The Jesuit Review, most priests make around $20,000 when they start their duties, but they may earn around $45,000 a year once they gain experience. For example, the Archdiocese of Kansas in Kansas City pays its priests around $33,906 per year. Bishops and higher-ranking Catholic Church officials may earn $80,000 to $100,000 or more annually.

Do You Need a College Degree Before Seminary?

Most candidates enter seminary after earning a bachelor’s degree, often in philosophy, theology, or a related field. Some seminaries accept candidates without a degree into pre-theology programs that cover necessary coursework. A college education helps ensure academic readiness for advanced theological studies.

Can Married Men Become Catholic Priests?

In the Roman Catholic Church, priests are generally required to be unmarried and committed to celibacy. However, exceptions exist in the Eastern Catholic Churches, where married men may be ordained, and for some clergy who convert from other Christian traditions. These cases are rare but demonstrate flexibility in certain contexts.

When Does the Ordination Actually Take Place?

Ordination of a new priest takes place when a priest candidate has completed all of their college, seminary, and study requirements. These requirements may vary in length and duty depending on the person, their calling, and the diocese's process for accepting and ordaining new priests.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees in Theology

Following your calling to become a Catholic priest is an admirable cause. An online bachelor's degree in theology can help you pursue your calling and educate you further about religious beliefs. Learn.org has plenty of information on colleges that can provide you with the religious studies or theology degree you might need when starting this process.