ordination




Perspectives

Videos & Writings
Seminarians and recently ordained share their thoughts on life in Priestly formation

Father Luke Strand
Shares his perspective on seminary life in this article, written while Father Luke was a student at St. Francis de Sales Seminary -
"A Gift for Jesus"

 

Thinking about Priesthood
Discernment on Line

Your Personal Profile

Most people determine that applying to the seminary is right for them by talking with others -- a trusted friend, a spiritual or vocation director, a parish priest,a family member. Use this activity to visualize yourself in situations common to priesthood. Areas you check can serve as a springboard for conversation about how you would bring your individual style and skills to priestly ministry.

Priest As Leader of Prayer and Parish
I can see myself as a dynamic parish priest, getting people involved and providing the type of leadership that builds momentum.
As a priest, I would encourage leaders within the parish to take charge of various projects and administrative areas, counting me in as part of the team.
When I dream of ministry, I see myself focusing on meeting pastoral and spiritual needs. A hallmark of my leadership style would be approachability.
Priest As Sacramental Minister

When I think of priesthood, I imagine the joy of baptizing a baby into the family of God, presiding at Mass, and helping people to experience healing through the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing. If this is what God calls me to be, how can I say “no”?

Priests have the privilege of carrying on Jesus’ ministry. While I feel some doubt about my ability to measure up, I trust that somehow God will continue to give imperfect people the grace they need to do His work.
Priests devote their lives to serving others, especially through the sacraments. I see God as a God of covenants and believe that He will give much in return for the lifelong commitment to serve as a priest for His people.
Priest As Learner

I have always liked school and have strong academic ability. I definitely see myself in graduate school, and I will probably always enjoy scholarly pursuits.

I believe in working hard to get the best grades I can in school. I don’t know if I have ever been the smartest person in a class, but I do well because I put in the effort.

My heart is set on priesthood. The academic studies may be a struggle for me at times, but I know that I will spend a lifetime coming to know more of the richness of what Scripture and Church tradition have to teach.
Priest As Steward

I hardly ever make an error in my checkbook and always pay the bills on time. Deadlines have never been a problem because I organize my time and prioritize.

I can envision a tendency to procrastinate when It comes to the administrative responsibilities of running a parish, but I am dependable.

I hope to delegate the day-to-day business aspects of parish leadership to laypeople trained in finance and administration. There are some things that other people can do better than I can, and God gave us different talents for a reason.
Priest As Person of Prayer

My style is basically talking one-to-one with God. Mass and other liturgical celebrations are important, but Jesus set a good example by teaching the crowds and going off by himself to pray.

There is something about a community of faith gathering together that energizes me and helps me put things in perspective.

I see prayer becoming an increasingly integral part of my life--not just a Sunday or quick-before-meals thing.
Priest As Teacher and Preacher

Sometimes, when I listen to a priest preaching at Mass, I can see myself doing that. I have an engaging manner of public speaking and would enjoy preparing homilies.

I don’t have much experience with public speaking, but I do seem to have a gift for explaining things to people in ways they can understand.
Talk about stage fright! I hope one of the things they teach people at the seminary is public speaking. I trust that the Holy Spirit can make the most out of our efforts.

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