Frequently Asked Questions

Are you called to be a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Baltimore?

Diocesan priests are called to serve the people of God. A diocesan priest is a compassionate and understanding leader of the community, who willingly walks with the faithful by empowering them to respond to the message of the Gospel.

Diocesan priests fulfill the mission of the Church through liturgical and sacramental celebrations. A diocesan priest is called to become a leader of a parish. A parish is a faith-filled group of people living in a definite geographic area within a particular diocese. It is a vital unit in the life of the community and the work of the Church. It is the center for liturgical workship, education, social life and community celebrations.

Diocesan priests teach and preach the Good News, and uphold the faith of the Church. A diocesan priest takes on the roles of administrator, counselor, teacher, and team member. The most vital role in the life of a priest is his spiritual leadership, calling forth and utilizing the gifts and talents of the community.

Diocesan priests live the Gospel message within the community of the parish. A diocesan priest ministers to the whole person--promoting the spiritual, physical and emotional development of parish members. In addition, he is ministered to by the faithful.

Who may become a diocesan priest?

Any single Catholic male who is willing to dedicate his life to the service of God can become a diocesan priest. He is a Catholic who has a living relationship with God, exemplified by regular attendance at Mass and daily prayer. He responds to an inner call to serve God's people by making a commitment to further study and deeper prayer.

What is the program of preparation for the priesthood?

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has three programs to assist those interested in the diocesan priesthood.

The Affiliate Program- This program is primarily for juniors in high school through college seniors, and is designed for those potential candidates in the early discernment stages of their call to priesthood. Interested young men meet about five times yearly for discussion, support and prayer. The newly ordained priests of the Archdiocese help facilitate this group with Fr. J. Kevin Farmer as coordinator. This program is for potential candidates who have not formally applied to the Archdiocese.

College Programs of Priestly Formation- College candidates for the Archdiocese have two different tracts that they may choose from for the path to the priesthood:

1. They may attend the college of their choice and work with one of our priest-advisors during the college years. (This choice requires at least one additional year of pre-theology before a candidate is ready to enter a school of theology).
2. Or the candidate may enter St. Pius X College Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania. Seminarians in the college program of priestly formation are encouraged to major in philosophy.

Seminary Program- If you are accepted by the Vocation Office as a diocesan priesthood candidate, then you will attend a seminary. The seminary program will focus on: your formation as a priesthood candidate, theological studies, and your spiritual journey. Candidates usually have to take one or two years of philosophy studies in addition to theological studies, prior to graduate-level theology.

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!

Where do you study to become a priest?

The Archdiocese of Baltimore sponsors seminarians at the following seminaries:

St. Mary’s Seminary and University 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210 Phone: 410-864-4000
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Phone: 301-447-5295
Blessed John XXIII National Seminary 558 South Avenue Weston, MA 02193 Phone: 781-899-5500
Theological College - The Catholic University of America 401 Michigan Avenue Washington, DC 20017-5295 Phone: 202-756-4900
Pontifical North American College 00120 Vatican City State Europe Phone: 011-39-06-684-931

FAQ Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Vocations, Vocations and Priestly Formation, USCC
Why become a priest, sister or brother today? by Cathy Bertrand, S.S.N.D.
Sixteen Questions about Church Vocations, Vision, the annual religious vocation discernment guide from the National Religious Vocation Conference