FAQs
How do I know if God is calling me to Priesthood?
Many young men who feel called will tell you that they have known intensely that the Lord is asking them to be with Him in a new way.
Often there is a deep desire to be a priest. This can come from seeing your own priest at work, by going into a church, by feeling the need to serve others and to bring them to God. The call can bring up in a you a need to pray, to explore more about the life of a priest and to research about the church. Even in the small things of life the urge to explore a vocation can occur.
There will be no one big event that will say that we know the Lord is calling us but all of the above will be evident in someone who feels called by God.
What is the process of becoming a priest?
To be a priest you must be a baptised Catholic, not married and have no obligations to young children.
You must feel a call to the Priesthood.
You should then contact the Vocations Director.
You will be given instruction on how to discern your vocation.
You may then meet the Bishop.
You may then enter into a pre-seminary year, here you will study the scriptures, spiritual writers, how to pray the Divine Office of the Church and explores the spiritual aspects of their vocation more deeply.
After this year, you may enter the St Patrick’s Seminary in Maynooth. You will complete a primary and post primary degree. The first degree having Philosophy as its main emphasis and the second Theology. You will come to know the aspects of the Mass and the other sacraments and learn how to celebrate them. You will enter into pastoral work experience in parishes, schools, hospitals, and other settings. Seminary can take up to seven years. During this time, you will come more and more to know the Lord and conform his identity into that of Christ.
Having completed your studies you will be ordained Deacon and then, after a period of time, to the Sacred Priesthood.
Do priests get paid?
If a priest works in a parish, then he will be paid a monthly allowance, as well as having some expenses looked after. If he is part of a school, college or hospital team full-time, his salary will come from there.
Why can’t priests get married?
A priest gives his life in the example of Christ. His life is for everyone through the gift of celibacy. Jesus did not marry. He also spoke positively about those who remain celibate “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:12).
Indeed, Jesus chose, from among his followers, certain men to be with him and become “fishers of men” (Mt 4:19; Mk 1:17). His invitation to them was to leave everything behind for the sake of the kingdom of God. Therefore, this practice of total dedication to God, in and through Christ, goes back to the very beginning of discipleship.
Today as well, men are chosen by God to “to consecrate themselves with an undivided heart to the Lord” (Catechism of the Catholic Church , No. 1579).
What happens when you contact the Vocations Director?
Contacting the Vocations Director can seem like a big step, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Fr Tony Gonoude and the team are only too happy to begin a conversation with you and help guide you in your discernment.
When you first get in touch, Fr Gonoude will arrange a call with you and then an in person meeting. He is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You will be encouraged to attend the vocation events that take place in the diocese and you will be directed to resources that will help you on this path.
Discernment can be a wonderful journey which begins with that initial contact, so do not be afraid to get in touch.
What is the difference between a Diocesan priest and a Priest of a Religious Order?
A priest of a religious order has a charism, specific to their religious order as part of his life. For example, the Dominican Order concentrates on preaching and live in a community where they pray to the Divine Office and celebrate Mass in common. Other orders may also live in common but have an emphasis on hospital ministry or constant prayer.
The Diocesan Priest is a little of all of the above. He may well live with other priests in a large parish or perhaps on his own. He could be a hospital, school or college chaplain. The Diocesan Priest may give retreats or lead people in prayer but his charism is to be a Priest of Jesus Christ in the world.
Some religious order priests take a vow of poverty, but the Diocesan Priest, while expected to live humbly, does not. While an order will have a superior, such as a Prior or an Abbot, the Diocesan Priest works in communion with his Bishop to whom his ministry is an extension of.