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Molly Smith
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Please forgive my total and complete ignorance on this subject, but I'm curious about the process (formalities, not discernment, although that interests me as well) of becoming a priest or nun.
I know (I think) that priests attend four years of university then four years of seminary. And then are they ordained right afterwards? Do order priests have the same educational requirements as diocesan priests?
I never hear of educational requirements for nuns. I know there are different levels of vows, but I'm not sure what they are or if they are the same across the orders or what is required in the progression of levels.
Now that my ignorance is bright and shiny for all to see, can someone please direct me to a book or resource that can teach me all this good stuff? I have a discernment question, too, but I'll start a different thread for that  . Thanks!
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Molly Smith in VA
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Bridget
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I think for nuns, it depends on the order's charism. The fabulous Dominicans near us are a teaching order so the women must go to the local university and get their degree. They can do this while going through the progression of vows. They have a great website.
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Bridget, happily married to Kevin, mom to 8 on earth and a small army in heaven
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JennGM
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Molly Smith wrote:
| Please forgive my total and complete ignorance on this subject, but I'm curious about the process (formalities, not discernment, although that interests me as well) of becoming a priest or nun. |
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It's not ignorance, Molly! It's really not common knowledge, and there isn't a straight answer for each circumstance!
Molly Smith wrote:
| I know (I think) that priests attend four years of university then four years of seminary. And then are they ordained right afterwards? Do order priests have the same educational requirements as diocesan priests? |
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It depends on the order! Generally religious orders prefer a college degree.
For the Seminary years it depends on the diocese. There isn't always 4 years of seminary, either. If someone has a theology degree from a good college, he doesn't need all the extra formation in the seminary. You would have to look into the diocese requirements, and also the individual seminaries. Diocese of Arlington has seminarians at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD and St. Charles in Philadelphia, PA. And while in seminary they can be ordained a deacon and then a priest.
Molly Smith wrote:
| I never hear of educational requirements for nuns. I know there are different levels of vows, but I'm not sure what they are or if they are the same across the orders or what is required in the progression of levels. |
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Molly, there are rules in the Code of Canon Law for age requirements and such (applies to male and female religious) which you can read here. You cannot be younger than 18 to enter the noviate of an order, but some orders have higher ages.
I considered a religious vocation for a few years. Cloistered religious have stricter rules of later age, possible college degree and/or working experience. I think I remember 22 was a normal age for the Poor Clares or Carmelites.
And like Bridget mentioned, some of the orders have their own college. I know Daughters of St. Paul did at one time, and the Dominicans do, also.
Molly Smith wrote:
| Now that my ignorance is bright and shiny for all to see, can someone please direct me to a book or resource that can teach me all this good stuff? I have a discernment question, too, but I'll start a different thread for that . Thanks! |
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I'm not sure of a book in print right now...someone else might know. At this point if your children are interested in religious life, it helps to just find out what are the diocesan requirements, and find some good religious orders that would be an option and get some information. Most orders have websites or a phone number that you could get brief info.
It doesn't hurt to get a college education. But I remember pining over becoming a nun and so discouraged reading that I had to wait so many years, and go to college for some orders! Choosing a good Catholic college can help nurture a vocation, too.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Molly Smith
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What great information, thanks! I keep thinking, too, that if your child tells you he/she wants to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, construction worker, fashion designer, etc., there are clear academic paths he/she will want to follow. "Tracks", if you will. I guess a call to a religious vocation is a "theology" track? Or maybe a broad, liberal (in the true sense) education.
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Molly Smith in VA
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MaryM
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Molly Smith wrote:
| Do order priests have the same educational requirements as diocesan priests? |
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Interestingly, I just asked that question of a Legionnaires of Christ seminarian this weekend. Their formation and education is 12 years. (4 years bachelors degree, 3 years seminary/theology, 3 years mission/work experience, 2 years masters theology). I know it is similar for Jesuits. I think most of the orders are around 12 years of formation/education.
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Mary M. in Denver
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JennGM
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Molly Smith wrote:
| What great information, thanks! I keep thinking, too, that if your child tells you he/she wants to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, construction worker, fashion designer, etc., there are clear academic paths he/she will want to follow. "Tracks", if you will. I guess a call to a religious vocation is a "theology" track? Or maybe a broad, liberal (in the true sense) education. |
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Theology, philosophy, liberal arts, history...those all can be good solid ground to lay a vocation, but so can any background. One's talents will be put to use -- music, art, education, English, foreign languages, math, economics, accounting, law, medical....really. I've seen all walks of life and it's beautiful how God can use one's talents and education in a variety of ways.
If by the time they are college age, I'd highly recommend Franciscan University's major "Humanities and Catholic Culture." That's one area I'd love to have a "do over" -- I was a non-traditional student, and transferred to FUS when I was a junior, so couldn't enjoy that program.
Anyway, enough rambling... I don't think a good education in college is a hindrance to any vocation, but rather a building block in the whole vocation process.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Priests, nuns and education
