What is a diocesan priest?

A diocesan priest is ordained to carry out ministry for the diocesan church under the direction of the bishop. While most priests serve in a parish, the needs of the diocese often include chaplaincies, teaching, and administration. Those who are ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are assigned to a ministry within Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, or Washington County.

What does a priest do on a daily basis?
The ministry of a priest is carried out in the assignment given to him by the bishop. Most importantly, the priest’s work involves the celebration of the sacraments and the ministry of the Word. Structured around the sacraments are the parish activities and prayer life that the priest daily attends to. He is also available to his people for individual counseling, preparation for the sacraments, and specialized ministry.

What are some characteristics of a possible vocation?
The Catholic Church is looking for happy, healthy, holy priests. This extends to a person’s outlook on life and his personality. One needs to have a love for Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church, and her teachings and traditions. One should also find fulfillment in serving the needs of others. There are many characteristics that indicate a possible vocation to the diocesan priesthood and a good way of finding out is by taking the vocation quiz: Am I Called?

How long does it take to become a priest?
It generally takes six to eight years to become a priest. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, the formation program asks that you study four years at the college level in minor seminary and four years of major seminary at a theologate. If you already have an undergraduate degree, the formation program asks that you participate in two years of pre-theology studies in minor seminary and four years of major seminary at a theologate.

Where does the seminarian go to college or graduate school?
In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, all seminarians begin their studies at St. Paul Seminary as either a collegian or a pre-theology student. Once the minor seminary studies are completed, they apply for theological studies at either St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania or the North American College in Rome, Italy. The decision on what major seminary a seminarian will attend is based on what is most beneficial to each individual.

Who is eligible to enter into the seminary?
A man who has completed high school (or its equivalent), complies with the regiments of the application process, and wants to live a life of chaste celibacy, priestly obedience, and prayer. Once in contact with the vocations office, there is an evaluation meeting and application process that helps the faculty and the possible seminarian candidate examine in-depth the criteria for the priestly formation program.

What is seminary life like?
The seminary is a house of discernment for men thinking about the possibility of priesthood. The structure of the seminary is centered on daily Mass and communal prayer. In addition, seminarians are involved with academic studies and diocesan events. There is also time set aside for formational activities including formation advising, spiritual direction, and faculty conferences. Living at the seminary is not only a time of discernment but also fraternity. The common goal of priesthood brings guys together in fellowship. To read more about what the seminarians in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are involved with, click on the seminary newsletter to read about different current events.

What promises does a diocesan priest make?

• Celibacy: "The essential meaning of celibacy is grounded in Jesus’ preaching of the kingdom of God. Its deepest source is love of Christ and dedication to his mission. All of these elements are rooted in the unique way that Jesus spoke about God’s reign and exemplified his teaching in his own life, death, and resurrection." (PPF, 61)
• Obedience: "A unique characteristic of diocesan priesthood is the special relationship of priests to the bishop of the diocese. Priests promise obedience and respect to their bishop and his successors. The bishop’s authority and the priests’ obedience are central to the unity and vital to the mission of the local church." (PPF, 69)
• Prayer: "The ministry of Jesus is marked by a profound communion with God, which is shown in Jesus’ way of praying and in his example. Often in the Scriptures and especially in the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus goes apart to pray. Prayer marked his passion and death on the cross. To live as Jesus lived means to pray as Jesus prayed.” (PPF, 73)

What are the different aspects of priestly formation?
Priestly formation involves four pillars or dimensions which assist the candidate in his discernment. Human formation focuses on the development of healthy interpersonal relationships and the strengthening of individual gifts and talents. Spiritual formation deals with the prayer life of a seminarian while Intellectual formation concentrates on academics and theological growth. Pastoral formation examines how someone would apply himself in different situations in priestly ministry. These four aspects of formation are all interrelated and are essential to the seminarian’s discernment and progression towards the diocesan priesthood.

How can I support and encourage priestly vocations?
The fostering of priestly vocations is the expectation of every Catholic. You can join a vocation council at your local parish or start a prayer group for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. On an individual level, you can suggest the possibility of the priesthood to those in your parish that you think have the characteristics of a good priest. We can support and encourage priestly vocations through both prayer and awareness.