What Do I Do?

If you are thinking about the priesthood in the Diocese of Rockford the following information may clarify some matters of practical concern:

I) How long does it take to become a priest

It depends on your previous education and when you enter the seminary. Some men decide to pursue the priesthood right out of high school and enter college seminary. For them it would take a minimum of eight years, four obtaining a college degree in philosophy and four years spent in a major seminary studying theology. For someone who already has a college degree it will take four to six years, depending on the amount of philosophy he has studied, since all men entering the major seminary must have a college degree and twenty four credit hours of philosophy. There are numerous variables which affect one’s path to the priesthood, variables which need to be figured out on an individual basis with the vocation director and the seminary.

II) How much does it cost?

Don’t sweat it too much - all we ask for is your life. The diocese of Rockford will pay for up to six years of your seminary education. So if you enter college seminary right out of high school the diocese will begin to cover your seminary expenses in your third year of college studies, although the diocese can assist you with loans for the first two years if there is real need. If you already have a college degree the diocese will cover everything. Seminarians also have their health insurance paid and receive a modest monthly stipend for personal needs. The cost of books needed for seminary classes is also covered up to a certain amount. Previous debts can be also discussed on an individual basis, the bottom line being that financial issues should never stop anyone from contacting us.

III) What seminary would I go to?

Since the diocese of Rockford does not operate its own seminary it sends its men to various seminaries around the country. During vacation times and the summer months the seminarians return to the diocese for various assignments. Upon completion of their studies they move back to the diocese permanently for ordination and service as priests. You can check out this link for an updated list of seminaries that the Diocese of Rockford uses.

IV) What would I do at seminary?

The seminary is a busy place where men live, pray, and study together. But a diocesan seminary does not approximate a religious order. It seeks to form parish priests. Life at the seminary entails daily Mass, private and common prayer times, lots of classes (for which you do receive grades), pastoral assignments in nearby parishes, and various other components. And, yes, you do take classes on how to say Mass and celebrate the other Sacraments. Every seminary should be a place of orthodox Catholic teaching as well, since seminarians have enough to ponder without having to battle over basic teachings of our faith. The faculty, though, is concerned not only with your theological knowledge but also your human, moral, and spiritual development. So they keep a pretty close eye on the seminarians to make sure that they are well adjusted, prayerful, balanced men who have a holy and sincere desire to serve the Church. While the seminary has rules it is not a barracks. There is plenty of opportunity to play sports, exercise, or hang out with new found friends from all over the United States and other countries.

V) Can you tell me a little about the diocese of Rockford?

The diocese of Rockford encompasses eleven counties across the northernmost part of Illinois. The See city of Rockford has a population of 150,000 people and lies in the geographic center of the diocese. The eastern edge of the diocese is a mostly middle class suburban area experiencing the growth typical of the very outer rings of a major city such as Chicago. The middle and western parts of the diocese are mostly rural, although various towns are large enough to necessitate two or more parishes. There are 105 parishes, and approximately 150 priests are in active service to the needs of the 375,000 Catholics living here.

VI) What is the difference between a religious order and a diocesan priest?

A religious priest lives in community, normally does not serve in a parish, takes a vow of poverty, wears the religious garb of his order, and is under obedience to his superior. A religious priest’s service is not confined to the boundaries of his diocese, but to a province. A province can span several states and even countries. A diocesan priests makes a promise of simplicity, not a vow of poverty. He normally serves in a parish, lives in a rectory alone or with one or two other priests, is under obedience to his bishop, and wears a black suit with a roman collar. A diocesan priest normally serves only in the parishes, schools, and administration of his own diocese.

Whether or not you are ready to get serious about joining the Diocese and entering the seminary, it would be helpful to make an appointment with the Vocation Director of the Diocese of Rockford. Meeting with him will give you an opportunity to have many of your questions answered. Discernment is a difficult task that shouldn’t be attempted alone. The Vocation Director can give you practical advice and information regarding discernment and the seminary, answer financial and educational questions, explain the “nuts and bolts” of the vocation program in the Diocese of Rockford, and let you know the reasons that other men have chosen to embrace the life of a diocesan priest.

Keep in mind that you must be accepted by a diocese before going to the seminary, since there is no such thing as a “free agent” seminarian not affiliated with any diocese. Applying to the diocese includes interviewing with the Vocation Director, meeting with a professional to evaluate your psychological health, procuring letters of reference, agreeing to a background check, and completing an extensive and detailed application packet. Once completed, and if accepted, the candidate discusses with the Vocation Director which seminary would be most appropriate for his formation.