1. Human Formation:  “Sufficient human formation for admission means not only an absence of serious pathology but also a proven capacity to function competently in ordinary human situations without need to do extensive therapeutic or remedial work to be fully functioning, a psychosexual maturity commensurate with chronological age, a genuine empathy that enables the applicant to connect well and personally with others, a capacity for growth or conversion, and a deep desire to be a man for others in the likeness of Christ.” (Program for Priestly Formation (PPF)  37)
2. Spiritual Formation:  “Sufficient spiritual formation means a well catechized person who prays daily, belongs to a parish, participates at least weekly in the Sunday Eucharist and regularly in the Sacrament of Penance, and is drawn to explore and deepen his spiritual life and share it with others.” (PPF 37)
3. Intellectual Formation:  “Sufficient intellectual formation means proven capacities for critical thinking, and ability to understand both abstract and practical questions, and the capacity to understand other persons and to communicate effectively with them in both oral and written form.” (PPF 37)
4. Pastoral Formation:  “Sufficient pastoral formation means having a fundamental sense of the Church’s mission and a generous willingness and enthusiasm to promote it and knowing how the ordained priesthood contributes to the mission; having a willingness to initiate action and assume a position of leadership for the good of individuals and communities.”  (PPF 37)

1. General: A suitable applicant for Priesthood must be a baptized and confirmed single Catholic man who is committed to living the Catholic faith and whose health does not propose a problem for ministry.
2. Age: Men under fifty years of age are eligible for acceptance as seminarians.
3. Converts / Returning Catholics:  Men who are recent converts to the Catholic faith or baptized Catholics who have recently returned to the Church should have at least two years of practice in the faith prior to their acceptance into a seminary program.
4. Financial Stability: An applicant must be able to share in the cost of the 6 to 8 years of training to become a priest.  However, the Diocese will not deny a man his vocation based on financial difficulties.
5. Relationships: a suitable applicant should be living a chaste life for a minimum of two years prior to being formed in the priesthood. The applicant must be a “man of communion” who has the ability to form good interpersonal relationships.

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