What the Church teaches
“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry.”
“It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.”
“No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God.”
Only a baptised man validly receives sacred ordination.
Mark 3:13-14 Jesus calls to himself those he wants, to be with him and to be sent out to preach.
Luke 22:19 At the Last Supper Jesus tells the apostles to do this in memory of him.
Matthew 9:37-38 The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few: pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers.
2 Timothy 1:6 Saint Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle the gift of God he received through the laying on of hands.
Catechism §1536 · Catechism §1536 · Catechism §1578 · Catechism §1577 · Mark 3:13-14 · Luke 22:19 · Matthew 9:37-38 · 2 Timothy 1:6
What is needed
A vocation to the priesthood begins with a sense that God may be calling you. Your parish priest, the vocations director and the seminary help you discern.
Requirements
- A baptised and confirmed Catholic man who practises the faith and prays.
- Good health and the ability to study; the major seminary usually asks for a completed secondary education.
- A recommendation from your parish priest.
- Taking part in the diocese's discernment or aspirants' programme, then the seminary entrance examination and interview.
- Boys finishing primary school may apply to the junior (minor) seminary where the diocese has one.
Documents to bring
- Baptism and Confirmation certificates.
- A letter of recommendation from your parish priest.
- School results, such as WAEC or NECO, for the major seminary.
- Birth certificate, passport photographs and a medical report, as the seminary asks.
Discerning a vocation
If you think God may be calling you to be a priest, or to religious life as a sister or a brother, speak to your parish priest or the diocesan vocations director. They will help you take the next step at your own pace.
Next steps
- Pray: Spend time with the Lord, go to Mass and Confession often, and ask him what he wants of you.
- Talk: Speak to your parish priest, or to a priest or religious you trust.
- Come and see: Join the diocesan vocations programme, the aspirants' meetings or a seminary open day.
- Apply: With your parish priest's recommendation, sit the seminary entrance examination and interview.
- Formation: Seminary formation includes philosophy and theology, a spiritual year and pastoral work, leading to ordination as a deacon and then as a priest.
Ask about a vocation
Tell a priest of the parish a little about yourself. Only the priests read it.
Ask about a vocationA prayer for vocations
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, you call each of us by name. Raise up from our families and from this parish generous men and women to serve you as priests, deacons, sisters and brothers. Give them the courage to answer your call, and give us the faith to support them. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen.
Questions people ask
How do I know if I have a vocation?
Most people do not hear a voice. A vocation usually shows itself as a lasting desire to serve God, joy in prayer and the Mass, and the encouragement of others. Talking with a priest helps you test it.
What about religious life?
Religious orders and congregations of priests, brothers and sisters each have their own vocations directors. The parish priest can put you in touch.
How long is the seminary?
Usually around eight years or more after secondary school, including philosophy, theology, a spiritual year and pastoral experience. It varies by diocese.
Can older men become priests?
Yes. Late vocations are welcome; the vocations director will advise on the right path.
How can the parish help?
Pray for vocations, encourage young people who show interest, and support the seminarians of the diocese.