How Long Does It Take To Become A Priest?

How Long Does It Take To Become A Priest?

It can take between 6 – 8 years of education for a BA in Philosophy or 2 years of Philosophy courses with any previous bachelor’s degree. Then Seminarians earn a Masters of Divinity degree studying Theology for 3 years plus 1 year as a transitional deacon before ordination.

Why Does It Take So Long?

Formation for priesthood consists of 4 pillars: Intellectual, Spiritual, Pastoral and Human. The Master’s degree provides the intellectual formation, but the road to priesthood requires the development of maturity, knowledge and skills in the other pillars.  Priestly formation is a highly structured program of development of the entire person. The bar is set high for our future priests which is no less than what the people of God deserve.

Mundelein Seminary in Chicago has posted a video on the academic steps to become a priest: from College Seminary or Pre-Theology to Major Seminary to Transitional Diaconate to Ordination.   This is a very clear explanation of the process.

YouTube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=r_J4OgKMiw4

Here is a link to a blog post on “Seminarian Parents”  by a parent of a seminarian reflecting on the length of seminary education and formation.

Link: Seminarian Parents - How Long does it take to become a priest? Part 1