Questions - Religious Priests

1. How Long Does It Take To Become a religious priest?
2. Are There Any Age Restrictions?
3. When Does a Man Begin The Application Process?
4. What Would I Do As a Religious Priest?

How Long Does It Take To Become a religious priest?

Once a man finishes the two-year Novitiate, he takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood. At this time, the man is considered a religious. On the average, it takes about nine more years of study and work before these men are ordained priests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions?

Many of the men who apply have completed a bachelor's degree, and most are in their late teens to mid-thirties. These decisions depend on individual circumstances. However, as a general rule, candidates should be under 40 years of age. After 50, a dispensation would be required.

When Does a Man Begin The Application Process?

Usually a man has been in regular contact with a vocation director and a spiritual director for about six months to one year before beginning the application process. This process allows the community and the man to come to know one another. The vocation director and the candidate both need to agree on this important step.

What Would I Do As a Religious Priest?

Religious priests are men with a mission, whether in formation, studies or full-time ministry. The mission is received from the provincial superior after listening to the individual speak of his prayer, his desires, talents, interests, attractions as well as his hesitancies, and limits. There are no guarantees as to what any of us might do in the future; however, we can be sure that the community will value our talents and discern where we can best be of service to the order and to the Church.

Information on this page is courtesy:
www.jesuits.ca/becoming/caq.html