A man who is exploring a call from Christ to the Priesthood usually enters into a period of Dialogue and Discernment with the Director of Vocations.  Once it is agreed upon by both that there are true signs of a vocation to the priesthood, the Director of Vocations will offer the man an opportunity to apply to the Diocese in which he serves.  During the application process, information is gathered to evaluate his suitability for entering formation towards the priesthood in a seminary chosen by the Diocese.  Once this information is gathered, the man meets an admissions board who interviews him and make a recommendation to the Bishop.  If a candidate is accepted by the Bishop and is ready to enter into Seminary formation, he will spend the next 6-8 years of his life in formation towards the priesthood.  Seminary life provides the seminarian the opportunity to grow in the various areas of his life, both spiritual and intellectual and to gain skills pastoral care.  During the summer, seminarians may find themselves working in a parish or in a program directed to teaching him the tools that will serve him well as a priest.

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