How Does One Become a Priest

How does one become a priest?

There are several steps to becoming a priest, and all of them are very important.

Step #1: Internal Discernment

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). Here some of the ways that often help to bring one’s call into focus: Reflection, prayer, and listening to God.

Being involved in one’s parish
Going to Mass regularly
Receiving the sacraments
Getting involved in some type of Christian or community service
Trying to live a good Christian moral life

The Director of Vocations directly facilitates the on-going discernment process for individuals interested in becoming candidates for priestly formation in service to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Individuals discerning Our Lord’s vocational calling formally enter into this period of discernment with the Director of Vocations and their parish priest(s) or another priest when an Application for the Admission of Students for Seminary Formation is requested.

Step #2: Application Process

May God who began the good work in us bring it to completion.