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Priesthood

Where Christ calls ordinary men to extraordinary missions.

Wondering about diocesan priesthood? Begin with prayer and a conversation. The Vocations Office can help you learn about discernment and formation in our local Church.

Explore reflection questions →Path to priesthood

Serra House of Formation

A place to listen.
A community to grow.

Begin discovering life at St. Junipero Serra House of Formation, our diocesan home for men preparing for the priesthood in Grand Terrace.

Through shared prayer, study, service and everyday fraternity, seminarians deepen their friendship with Christ and discern how to serve his people.

Prayer. A daily rhythm rooted in Mass and spiritual growth.
Community. Brothers who learn, serve and grow together.
Formation. Accompaniment for the whole person on the path toward priesthood.

Explore Serra House →

Signs of a vocation

Could God be calling you?

These questions can help you prepare for a conversation. They do not determine your vocation or eligibility for seminary.

Adapted from a vocation self-test by Sr. Kathy Bryant.

The thought of priesthood or religious life keeps returning, even after you thought you had moved on.You find yourself quietly keeping vocation materials, even hiding them.You long for something more from your life.You feel drawn to give more of yourself, and to become more.Your relationship with God energizes you so much that you want to share the Good News.Serving in ministry gives you more life than your career does.You suspect you are close to a major life decision.You hesitate to tell family and friends that you are thinking about a Church vocation.The idea of priesthood excites you and frightens you at the same time, because you feel unworthy.

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Check the statements that fit you.Contact us →

Life in our Church

Prayer, formation and service.

A priest elevating the Eucharist at Mass — PrayerCelebrating the Eucharist

Seminarians and priests outside Serra House — CommunityLife at Serra House

Four men in clerical attire standing together outside a seminary — FormationGrowing together

A bishop holding a crozier outside a church — Local ChurchA life of ministry

What we look for

Seminarians are called to a life of…

Spirituality

A healthy relationship with God, getting along with people, and real concern for their welfare.

Celibacy

The ability and desire to live a celibate life with joy.

Leadership

Leadership qualities that can grow according to age and stage of life.

Knowledge

Able to handle the studies required: general education, philosophy and theology.

The road ahead

From first question to ordination.

Initial priestly formation has four formal stages: propaedeutic, discipleship, configuration and vocational synthesis. Our seven-step guide places these within the wider journey from a first question to ordination.

See the path to priesthood →

Priestly formation

Four formal stages. A lifetime of growth.

Our seven-step path to priesthood is an introductory guide. Initial priestly formation itself has four formal stages, with human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral growth throughout.

Propaedeutic

A foundation in prayer, community and a new rhythm of formation.

Discipleship

Growth as a disciple of Christ, including philosophy and an integrated life of formation.

Configuration

Theological formation and preparation for ordained ministry in imitation of Christ.

Vocational synthesis

Integration into pastoral ministry after diaconal ordination and before priestly ordination.

The path and timing depend on the individual and the formation program. Learn about the four stages from the USCCB →

Are you being called?

Start a conversation →