Questions About Applying to the Seminary or a Religious Community
How long does it take to be a priest, sister or brother?
To be a priest takes about 5 years if you have a college degree. Without a degree it can take 8 years depending on your educational background. To become a sister or brother usually takes 3 to 4 years of formation depending on the order.
What are the basic requirements to enter the seminary or religious community?
Each formation program has its own specific requirements but most of them would require that you be practicing your Catholic faith, and be free from any debts, any commitments to care for other people (older parents, dependent children), and any lifetime commitment to another person. You also need to be in good physical and mental health and able to get along well with people. Usually you need to show how you have been responsible in your work or academic life and that you have been involved in service to others.
What kind of questions will they ask me when I apply?
You will be asked about these areas: your faith, prayer, discernment of call, your work, social life, service to others, education, personal history, family life, lifestyle, strengths and weaknesses.
Can I join if I'm a recovering alcoholic?
It might be possible. Many dioceses or religious orders will want you to have been in recovery for seven years. It is also important that you be working your recovery program.
Do debts make a difference?
Yes, indeed they do. It wouldn't be fair to demand a religious community or diocese to assume your debt, would it? Nor will you have access to sufficient funds to pay back a large debt whether it originates from student loans or credit cards. It is best that you reduce your debt before entering formation.
What are the academic requirements for the seminary?
In order to start at the graduate level of Seminary (also called Theology), one must have a Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester units of Philosophy and 12 units of undergraduate Catholic theology. A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is sometimes required for admission.
When English is a candidate's second language, a T.O.E.F.L. (Test of English Fluency) score of 550 is often required.
Many seminaries offer a special pre-theology program making it possible for candidates to begin with only a bachelor's degree. They earn the philosophy and undergraduate credits in the pre-theology program.
Those without a college degree have a wonderful option. They can be sponsored by a diocese to attend a Seminary College. A high school diploma or its equivalency is required. In addition to this, many undergraduate general education credits qualify for transfer credit as do Advanced Placement courses.
How do I know what seminary to go to?
Contact your local diocesan vocation director for the answer!
