"Steps" is a good way to describe the process of discerning one's future, especially where the priesthood and religious life are concerned. Some struggle too intensely about the possibility of a vocation because they think that a decision must be made with one single great mental leap, once and for all time. But, as in most of life, vocational discernment is a careful and prayerful process of taking things one small step at a time, always asking along the way, "Lord, is this where you want me?" The answer to that question will come to a listening heart with the help of other people--the Vocation Director, seminary faculty, and many others who provide guidance and experiences. Many times men can only find the answer to the question, "Should I become a priest?" by actually entering the seminary.

       After one has decided to delve deeper into the possibility of priesthood, the next point of discernment is what type of priesthood? The choices are diocesan priesthood (under the direction of a local Bishop, living always within a specific diocese), or priesthood in a religious community (or "order," under the direction the head of that community, with the possibility of living in several dioceses where that community serves).

       Those who are called to be a part of a religious community experience an attraction not just to the type of work done by that community, but to a communal lifestyle, daily living and working very closely with other members of the specific religious order.

       There are several avenues into major seminary (the four year graduate level study of theology, resulting in ordination to the priesthood). Before this:

       -One can enter an undergraduate seminary as a college freshman, or transfer in from any other college or community college.   We currently use St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana for our undergraduates. The major field of study there is philosophy, which prepares one for the graduate theology studies.

       -Or one can have attended and graduated from the college of his choice, studied any major, and even worked for several years after college. If this is the case, the next step will be for the man to enter a two-year program of pre-theology, in order to have the required number of hours in philosophy as preparation for theology at the major seminary. Pre-theology studies can take place either at a seminary college or at the major seminary.

       -We also consider men from other parts of the United States (and other countries), as long as they are willing, before formal application with us, first to enter some sort of process to get to know the people and culture of our Diocese.

       The two major seminaries currently used by the Jackson Diocese are Notre Dame in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sacred Heart in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. The latter specializes in seminary formation for those who are more mature and have worked for a number of years in some other career.

       Like any Diocese, the Jackson Diocese has an application process for those who decide that they are ready to take the step into college seminary, pre-theology, or theology.  Our normal upper age limit is 45 for those who wish to apply.

       For more specific information about the process of becoming a priest or brother/sister for a religious order, check out the websites given on the Religious Communities page.

       You may already have begun the first step by coming to this website and beginning to explore the idea of a vocation in the Church. Continue to be open to God's will through prayer and consider talking to someone else--for example, your own parish priest or a religious sister/brother you know. We will be glad to talk with you or help you find someone with whom you will be comfortable in discussing your thoughts and questions. If you have not done so already, become more involved in the liturgy and activities of your home parish; those experiences are extremely helpful in the discernment process.

       In the Jackson Diocese there are also several "Discernment Groups," in which men come together regularly for prayer and discussion, with no commitment to entering a seminary. We can also schedule a visit to a seminary, so that you can sit in on the classes and join the students and faculty for prayer, discussion, meals, and recreation--a very enlightening experience. It is also possible to arrange a visit with any of the religious communities working in our Diocese.

       In all cases, we do not pressure or make assumptions about those who are simply exploring the idea of a vocation, nor do we make public, without their permission, the fact they are doing so.

May God bless you with wisdom and peace.
Fr. Kent Bowlds, Vocation Director
Fr. Lenin Vargas, Assistant Vocation Director