REQUIREMENTS FOR SEMINARY ADMISSION:
Generally, in the Diocese of Phoenix, an
applicant for consideration as a seminarian:
- Must be a practicing Catholic who has a strong prayer life, attends Mass
regularly, celebrates the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation regularly,
is committed to Catholic teaching and morals.
- Needs to have lived in the Diocese of Phoenix for at least two years, and
is active in some sort of parish ministry
- Must have demonstrated ability to live a celibate life.
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Must have the academic ability to complete a regular college program
and/or graduate studies in theology.
PROCESS OF ACCEPTANCE:
With overall guidance from the Most Reverend Bishop and under the leadership
of the diocesan Vocations Director, major efforts are placed on the recruitment,
discernment, evaluation and formation of men who are interested in or preparing
for the priesthood.
- Contact through personal visit at the Vocations Office; through referral
from another priest, religious, or lay person; letter or phone call of
inquiry; participation at Vocations Office events, etc.
- Follow-up or initial interview with candidate focusing on candidate's
attraction to the priesthood and rationale for seeking admission to the
program.
- Candidate is issued an application. Submission of names of
references, essays, autobiographical sketch, physical and dental examination
results, sacramental papers
- Candidate is referred for complete battery of psychological testing.
- Upon favorable review of aforementioned materials, candidate is
interviewed by diocesan screening/review board, who submit recommendations
for inclusion in candidate's dossier.
- Complete file and vocation director's recommendation is submitted to the
bishop who makes final determination and choice of seminary.