Vocations

The Archdiocese of Seattle looks for certain qualities of a man who could serve as a pastor of one of our local parishes:

1. Strong faith in Jesus
2. Catholic male (ages 18 to 40) who has received all the sacraments of initiation baptism, Eucharist, confirmation)
3. Desire to grow in prayer and lead others in prayer
4. Leadership
5. Compassion
6. Heart for service
7. Ability to preach and teach the sacred Scripture and the Catholic tradition
8. Healthy lifestyle/exercise
9. Positive relationships with men and women
10. Good physical and emotional health

A call to the priesthood in the Church is much more than just an individual, personal desire to serve and lead. While the call comes from God, it is mediated through the Church. With input from the whole Church and assistance from professionals in the areas of discernment and formation, bishops or religious superiors are entrusted with the responsibility of determining whether or not a candidate’s sense of being called is genuine. That determination is largely based on these factors:

1. Does the candidate desire to give himself wholeheartedly as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church? Has he undertaken a life of conversion, and does his way of life reflect the moral teachings of the Church?
2. Does the candidate believe that God wants him to become a priest? Is this belief rooted in a solid, fruitful prayer life? Has it been tested in conversations with a spiritual director?
3. Does the candidate have some or all of the gifts and talents that other members of the community of faith can recognize as the sort of gifts that could make him effective as a priest? Have any others in the Church pointed this out and suggested that he consider the priesthood as a vocation?
4. Does the candidate possess the ability to live a life of chaste celibacy?
5. Has the candidate demonstrated the ability to complete a course of studies in preparation for the priesthood? Are his skills for ministry strengthening and deepening with experience? Is he growing in love for the Church, that is, for the people he may be called to serve?
6. Does he have the desire to assent to the teachings of the Church and be faithful to them throughout his life?

1. Develop a deep friendship with the Risen Christ.
2. Attend daily Mass.
3. Regularly go to confession and strive for virtue.
4. Pray daily with such practices as eucharistic adoration and spiritual reading.
5. Talk to your pastor about your discernment.
6. Read the Scriptures, especially the Gospels.
7. Devote your discernment to Mary, the Mother of God.
8. Get involved in parish ministries.
9. Attend a discernment event.
10. Contact the director of vocations, Father Justin Ryan.

1. Discuss your possible vocation with family and friends.
2. Discuss the possibility with your pastor or another priest you know.
3. Work to make prayer an important part of your everyday life, especially regular attendance at Mass and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. If not already confirmed, it is required that you participate in the confirmation program in your parish and receive the sacrament of confirmation before you consider applying.
4. Participate in the ministry of the Church as appropriate in your parish.
5. If you are a high school junior or senior and are planning to look at priesthood more seriously, contact the director of vocations, Father Justin Ryan.

1. Discuss the possibility of priesthood with your pastor or another priest.
2. Be involved in your parish as appropriate: Socialize with other Catholics and join various ministries within the parish.
3. Inform the director of vocations, Father Justin Ryan, of your serious interest.
4. Work to make prayer an important part of your everyday life, especially regular attendance at Mass and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. It is important that you participate in the confirmation program in your parish and receive the sacrament of confirmation before you consider applying.
5. Be prepared to participate in monthly discernment meetings with others looking seriously at priesthood.
6. Participate in an annual retreat.