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Guidelines for Applicants
"As Jesus was walking
along the Sea of Galilee,
He watched two brothers,
Simon known as Peter and
his brother Andrew, casting
a net into the sea. They were
fishermen. He said to them,
'Come after me and I will
make you fishers of men and
women.' They immediately
abandoned their nets and
became his followers..."
Matthew 4: 18-20
Questions that may help!
- What is
the main motivation behind your thought about becoming a priest?
- What excites you at the prospect of ministering to others?
- What in your view is the number one "Mission" of the Church?
- What is the difference in serving God as a priest and serving God as
a lay member of a parish?
- What does a "personal relationship" with Jesus mean to you?
- What events, positive or negative, have influenced your life and maybe
triggered your sense of vocation?
- Would you see yourself as flexible and open to the differing views of
others on theology, practice, piety and devotion?
- Who has been a mentor or someone you would like to imitate in your ministry
and why?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges
facing the Church today and what has given
you this impression?
- What does "collaborative ministry" entail?
- We face obstacles and resistance with any major decision in our lives.
What obstacles at present may hinder you from making an informed and confident
decision about ministry in the Church?
- How have you been addressing these obstacles or areas of resistance?
- Do you prefer to spend time with others or do you consider yourself
a 'private' person?
- What is the difference between being alone and being lonely?
Reflecting on Scripture always helps in our lives. Please use the following to help you discern:
Old Testament
Genesis 12:1-4, Exodus 3:10-12 and 4:1, 10-12, Amos
7:14-15, Isaiah 6:8, Jeremiah 1:4-8, Ezekiel 3:1-4, 1 Kings 10
New Testament
Matthew 16:24-28, Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 4:1-13, Luke 6:12-15, Luke 9:57-62, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 12:22-31, Luke 18:15-30, Mark 3:13-15, Romans 8:26-31, Philippians 1:9-10
Who would make a good priest?
Priesthood is obviously more than a career - it is a
way of life. When considering yourself as a candidate for the priesthood,
what has been observed over time about those who make good priests is
that they encompass the following characteristics:
- Someone who has a deep relationship with the Lord through prayer and
action.
- Someone who is caring and compassionate.
- Someone who has leadership qualities and potential.
- Someone who is self assured yet does not think he knows it all.
- Someone who desires to love and care for people of every race, language
and walk of life.
- Someone who can and will respect other ministries and empower others
to use their gifts within the Church.
- Someone who is of an age where they can give mature and extended service
to the Church.
- Someone who has a servant's heart and the desire to seek to help others
while also taking care of oneself.
- Someone who is available and welcoming. We need priests who will welcome
others to the Lord's Table!
If you think you have these qualities, then you may wish to talk further to your parish priest, priest friend or the Vocation Director whose name and address is highlighted on the www.ukpriest.org website.
How do I apply?
The overall process of application may vary slightly according to the needs of each candidate. There is though a formal procedure that every candidate must go through. The freedom of the applicant is respected throughout. The goal of the Diocese is to prayerfully and carefully help men decide whether they can truly help in the building of God's Kingdom as ordained ministers.
First Contact: With the Vocation Director directly or via contact with Parish Priest / University Chaplain or other individual.
The Next Steps: The Vocation Director will advise on the discernment process to be followed. This would include: regular meetings with a Spiritual Guide / Parish Priest / the Vocation Director; using time and opportunities for prayer and discernment.
Formal Application: When considered appropriate the Vocation Director will invite you to consider making a formal application to the diocese. You would then complete the Application Form which includes: (a) references [Parish Priest, character referees, academic referee (if applicable), and house of previous formation (if applicable)]; (b) a psychological assessment; (c) a police background check; (d) an essay on your desire to become a priest; (e) a medical.
Conclusion of the Process: If the Bishop and Vocation Director are satisfied with the results of the process so far the applicant will be invited to attend, along with other applicants, a Selection conference with further interviews. Based on the recommendation of the Selection Panel, and all the available information, the bishop will then decide whether or not to accept the candidate and, if accepted, where formation will take place.
Acceptance into the Diocese requires that a candidate
demonstrates emotional maturity, academic ability, personal and psychological
stability and consistent growth in the practice of the faith. This process
also affirms for the candidate that his vocation is not simply personal
or private, but flows from the Church and leads towards ministry
in the Church.