Seminary Life
I'm thinking about going to the seminary, what should I do next?
Most importantly, keep praying about your vocation. Then speak to your parish priest who will assist you in contacting the vocation director to set up an appointment.
If I enter the seminary, am I committing to the priesthood? What if I am still uncertain?
Your time in the seminary is specifically meant to help you listen and further discern the will of God. Entering the seminary does require a certain level of commitment, but no seminary would expect you to be completely secure in your calling.
How do I know for sure that I should enter the seminary?
Honestly, I do not know if we are ever sure when to enter the seminary. It is something that should be done after serious prayer and discussion with your family, pastor and vocation director. Then, just go for it. Do not be afraid! You have nothing to lose but everything to gain!
What will seminary life be like?
The seminary is an incredible opportunity to focus on listening to the voice of God speaking within and to heed that voice by becoming more of the man God created you to be. There are four main pillars to seminary formation: spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral. All of these aspects come together to make up what it means to be a priest.
How long will it take to become a priest?
Usually between six and eight years of seminary formation. Academically, for those who have a four year college degree, this will mean six years of formation including two years of philosophy and four years of theological studies. If you are entering out of high school or later in life and do not have a four year college degree, the diocese will first send you to obtain a college degree (which usually takes four years) and then onto study theology for four years.
Seminaries Used by the Diocese of Paterson, NJ
Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Mass.: http://www.blessedjohnxxiii.edu/
Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, Conn: http://www.holyapostles.edu/
Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange NJ: http://theology.shu.edu
Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD: http://www.msmary.edu/seminary/
Pontifical North American College, Rome: www.pnac.org
St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore MD: www.stmarys.edu
Theological College Catholic University, Washington DC: http://www.theologicalcollege.org/
St. Andrew’s College Seminary, South Orange, New Jersey: http://www.shu.edu/catholic-mission/college-seminary-st-andrews-hall-index.cfm
St. Vincent’s Seminary, Latrobe, PA: http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu