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Priests who belong to a religious order (like the Benedictines, Dominicans and Franciscans) take three vows: poverty, chastity and obedience. Diocesan priests take no vows, but during the ordination ceremony they make three promises: prayer, celibacy and obedience. It is also expected that diocesan priests will lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve. |
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What are the expectations of men who are priests? |
The Diocese of Sioux City expects its priests to be men of prayer who have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and can lead others in prayer, primarily through the Sacraments of the Church. To be preachers of God's Word who know it and live it in their hearts and are able to proclaim it in ways that help others know and live it in their hearts. To be men of faith who are able to guide others in their understanding and practice of the Roman Catholic faith.
Each priest is expected to know, live and tell the story of our faith. To assist the parish communities in Northwestern Iowa in their participation in the mission of the Church by establishing healthy and effective relationships with men and women, and enabling these parishioners to offer their gifts and talents in the service of God's people. And finally, to be effective administrators of the parish's fiscal and human resources. |
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How long are you a Priest? |
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Once a man is ordained as a priest, he is a priest forever. |
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How long does it take to become a Priest? |
The answer to this question depends upon the level of education a man has when he begins his studies for the priesthood. There are two levels of seminaries utilized by the Diocese of Sioux City. The first is college level, also known as “Minor Seminary”, which takes 4 years to complete. This is where the men complete the philosophy and other requirements to get into the second level and is where they will have earned at least one bachelor’s degree. The second level, called “Major Seminary” also takes 4 years to complete. This is where the men study Theology and other courses related to Sacred Scripture and the Catholic faith and will have earned at least one master’s degree. So, for a young man coming out of high school and with no other education, it would take a minimum of 8 years to become a priest.
However, some men entering into the seminary have already graduated from college and have a bachelor’s degree when they begin. These men may have to take only 1 or 2 years of college seminary, called "Pre-Theology” before they enter Major Seminary. How much time they spend in Pre-Theology depends upon how long it takes them to fulfill the requirements necessary for entrance into Major Seminary.
So, when a priest is ordained, he has completed at least one bachelor's degree and at least one master's degree. Some priests have more than one degree at each level of education. Also, some seminarians take a year off from their seminary studies, called a “Pastoral Year,” to work in a parish. Thus the amount of time it takes any particular man to become a priest depends upon many individual factors. |
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What personal qualifications does a man need to study for the priesthood? |
To study for the priesthood you must be a Roman Catholic man who: - is genuinely interested in service to Jesus Christ and the Church
- actively participates in the life of a parish
- is single and free from any vows, relationships or impediments that would prevent him from fully giving himself to the priesthood
- has an active faith relationship with Jesus which is fostered through personal prayer and the sacraments
- feels called to serve God and His Church and experiences a desire to be a priest
- has a generous spirit which allows him to be aware of, and willing to serve, the needs of others
- has a willingness to live a healthy celibate lifestyle and make a permanent commitment to that life
- has a willingness to enter the seminary
- has the support and recommendation of his pastor
- is in good health
- has good intellectual and intelligence capabilities
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