When a man reaches a certain point in his discernment, if he wants to discover if priesthood is his true vocation, he has to go to seminary. It should be stressed that entering seminary is a stage of discernment, not a decision to definitely become priest.
Applying to seminary has three main phases:
1. Contact the Vocation Director. Discernment always happens with the help of the Church. The archdiocese needs to get to know you better before offering you a seminary application.
2. The application process. Applying to become a seminarian is a bit like applying to college, but with additional screening components such as background checks and medical and psychological screening.
3. Approval by the bishop. Bishop Robert McClory is ultimately the decision maker when it comes to seminary applicants.
Many men find the application process to be a healthy exercise in self-knowledge and a helpful part of overall discernment.
To begin the application process, contact the Vocation Office.