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BECOMING A PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO

PROCEDURES

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There are specific procedures followed in the Vocations Office in accepting new seminarians to Serra House. Those who are discerning needs to be a healthy, spiritual, and balanced man who is capable of living a life in accordance to the demands of seminary formation.  Therefore, these are the following requirements a man needs to fulfill in order to enter the seminary.

A MAN WISHING TO ENTER THE SEMINARY MUST:

  • Be a practicing Catholic and involved in ministry of some kind;

  • Have a healthy relationship with God, get along with people and show a concern for their welfare;

  • Have a good recommendation from his Pastor;

  • Have the ability and desire to live a celibate life;

  • Fill out the necessary application and paperwork including recommendations;

  • Meet on a regular basis with Vocation Office personnel;

  • Attend monthly ‘Discernment meetings’;

  • Be willing to be involved in social concerns;

  • Have leadership qualities that can be developed—according to his age level;

  • Be able to handle the studies required—General Education, Philosophy and Theology;

  • Be in good general health;

  • Be in good psychological health;

  • Take the necessary psychological tests with a good recommendation from psychologist;

  • Meet the Criteria to be hired through Live Scan process;

  • Take the necessary classes needed for the office for protection of youth.

SIGNS OF A VOCATION TO PRIESTHOOD
A vocation self-test by Sr. Kathy Bryant

Could this be you?

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  1. Does the idea of becoming a priest, sister or even brother keep coming back time and again even though you thought you had moved on in your life and forgotten about it?

  2. Do you hide vocation literature under your bed or tuck it away in a closet?

  3. Do you long for more?

  4. Do you feel called to give more, to be more?

  5. Does your relationship with God sustain you, enliven you, invigorate you in such a way that you want to share the Good News with others?

  6. Do you find your weekly ministry more life-giving and energizing than your career?

  7. Do you have a sneaking suspicion that you are on the brink of  a major life decision?

  8. Are you afraid to tell family and friends that you are thinking about a church vocation?

  9. Does the idea of becoming a priest or religious excite you and at the same time frighten you because you feel unworthy?

If you answered "yes" to two or more of these, please

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