- What does a priest do?
The purpose of a priest is to lead people to Jesus and to bring Jesus to the people. He does this mainly by preaching the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass.
His daily life consists in administering the sacraments —Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Matrimony (Holy Orders is administered by the bishop)— and in attending to the spiritual and human needs of his community.
- What exactly is a “vocation”?
A vocation is a call from God to do something specific for Him and for his Kingdom. The primary vocation of every person is to be holy: to love and serve God, obey his commandments and cooperate with Christ in the work of redemption by loving and serving others.
But we are all also called to a secondary vocation, a “state of life” in which we must be holy.
- What are those “secondary vocations” to which I might be called?
Many people are called to marriage, but it is a mistake to assume automatically that this is your vocation. You may also be called to the priesthood, to religious life as a brother or sister, or to the diaconate.
Finally, some follow Christ in the state of celibate life. Remember: it is normal to desire marriage and family. That desire does not exclude that you may have a priestly vocation.
- How can I know what God is calling me to?
You should pray every day asking God to reveal His plan to you. Do not ask yourself: “What do I want to do when I grow up?”, but: “Jesus, what do You want me to do?”. And listen for the answer!
The primary place where God speaks is the heart. Listen with your heart. Also, the discernment of a priestly vocation is always done within the Church. The local bishop, assisted by the vocational office and the seminary, is the one who ultimately confirms the call.
- Can I be happy if I do not follow the plan God has for me?
If you do not follow the vocation for which you were created, you can attain some happiness in this life and still be saved, but you will never be as fully happy as if you followed your true vocation.
That is why it is so important to discern correctly. Of course every vocation has trials and difficulties, but there is also great joy in giving your life for Jesus.
- Are most priests happy in their vocation?
Most priests are very happy! Priestly life is deeply rewarding, both in this life and in the life to come.
The media sometimes give a distorted image of priests, presenting them as frustrated or unhappy, or reducing them to the scandals of a few. That simply is not true.
- Why can’t priests marry? Isn’t that very difficult?
Priests of the Roman Rite do not marry in order to dedicate themselves completely to Jesus and to His people. They beget “spiritual children” by bringing many souls to Christ and helping them grow in holiness.
Celibacy is a powerful sign to the world that only Jesus can give us the happiness we all long for. Renouncing marriage and family shows that Christ is real and worthy of giving one’s life for Him.
Every vocation demands sacrifices, but there is great joy in sacrificing for love. As one priest said: “It is true that no one will call me ‘dad,’ but thousands call me ‘father’.”
- Will priests ever be allowed to marry?
Celibacy will always exist in the Church because it is not only a law but a charism, a spiritual gift and a source of fruitfulness. Jesus was celibate. Saint Paul was too.
Celibacy helps the priest to unite more intimately with Christ and to be a sign of the Kingdom of God. Although there are some married priests in the Catholic Church, they are exceptional cases.
If the Holy Spirit ever wanted a change, He would effect it through the Pope and the bishops. But it would be a grave mistake to enter the seminary “hoping” that this will happen.
- Would there be more priests if they could marry?
Maybe, but the question is whether that would be best for the Church. Celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom is a powerful testimony that Jesus is real and worthy of total self-giving.
Moreover, priestly vocations have grown enormously in recent decades in Africa, Asia and Latin America, while they have declined in Europe and the United States. The problem is not celibacy, but deeper cultural and social factors.
- Will I be lonely if I become a priest?
Loneliness is part of every vocation, but priests are rarely alone: they accompany people at the most important moments of their lives —birth, sacraments, marriage, death— and live surrounded by their community.
When loneliness comes, Jesus fills that emptiness, as He does in every vocation.
- Do priests receive a salary?
Yes, although they lead a simple life. They receive what is necessary to cover their expenses, maintain a vehicle, rest and carry out normal activities. In addition, the parish provides their lodging and food, so their expenses are minimal.
- Can priests have fun?
Of course. Priests can practice sports, watch movies, read, travel, go to the theater, fish, play soccer or golf, as long as it is consistent with Christian life.
- If I am attracted to the priesthood, does that mean I have a vocation?
Possibly, but not necessarily. It is important to pray, attend Mass, live as a Christian and talk with a priest or the vocational director. They can help you discern clearly.
- I am not very “holy”. Can I still be a priest?
Yes. Holiness is a lifelong journey. God forms His priests little by little. Use the sacrament of Confession, pray daily and you will see how Christ transforms you.
- Is it easy to become a priest?
No. Serious formation is required: four years of college (including philosophy) and another four in the seminary to obtain the master’s in theology. But do not be discouraged: the seminary is a wonderful experience and God gives the necessary grace.
- Is so much education necessary?
Yes. The priest must be well formed in the humanities, theology and spiritual life to serve with wisdom and be respected by the faithful. Every soul is precious and deserves a prepared pastor.
- What qualities does the Church look for in a candidate?
He must be a practicing Catholic, who prays every day, lives the commandments, serves others, enjoys good physical, mental and emotional health, and has average or above-average intelligence. Above all, he must be open to the will of God.
- If I enter the seminary “to try it out”, am I already committed for life?
No. The seminary is precisely the place to discern. Many men enter, test it for a while and then choose another path. And even so, they leave strengthened in their faith.
- Is the life of a priest interesting?
Very much! Each day is different. There are challenges, but also a deep joy. At the end of the day, the priest can say: “Lord, today I have given myself for You”. There is no fuller way to live.
Will you respond if Jesus calls you?