Grace Thompson
If your son is considering entering a Catholic seminary, it's important to support and encourage him while allowing him the space to make his own decisions. Entering a seminary is a significant life choice that requires dedication and commitment. It is a process that can take several years and involves a careful assessment and application process. Candidates are expected to demonstrate emotional maturity, academic ability, personal stability, and consistent growth in their faith. While it is a parent's duty to nurture and guide their children, ultimately, the decision to enter a seminary must be your son's own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Knowledge | Teach them to read difficult material, including great works of literature, history, philosophy, and the doctors of the Church. They should have a grasp of Salvation History and the Scriptures, as well as the Catechism and the writings of the saints. |
| Education | A college seminary education will help them discern whether they are called to the Catholic priesthood. They will receive a bachelor's degree in philosophy and can take courses in other disciplines. |
| Application Process | Application processes vary from seminary to seminary and diocese to diocese. It generally includes a psychological evaluation and interview with the vocation director and seminary staff. |
| Finances | Seminarians are often sponsored by their home diocese, and dioceses often help cover part of their expenses. Scholarships, loans, and grants are available. |
| Family Relationships | Seminarians are encouraged to maintain and develop family relationships through visits and frequent communication. |
| Vocation | Encourage your son to be faithful to God's call and support them if they show an interest in religious life or the priesthood. |
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What You'll Learn
Be supportive and encouraging of your son's interest in the priesthood
If your son expresses an interest in entering the Catholic priesthood, it is important to be supportive and encouraging of his decision. Entering the seminary is a major life decision, and your son may have doubts and concerns about his abilities and worthiness. As a parent, you can reassure him that it is normal to have doubts and that God's grace will effect the change and make it possible. Encourage him to be faithful to God's call and to develop a strong foundation of personal holiness.
It is important to remember that your son's decision to enter the seminary is a process of discernment that involves God, your son, and the Church. He may prayerfully believe that God is calling him to the priesthood, and the Church will affirm or disconfirm this through your son's mentor priest, spiritual director, bishop, and vocation director. This process may take several years, and your son will have the opportunity to interact with non-seminarians and participate in extracurricular activities during his time in the seminary.
As a parent, you can help your son by providing him with the necessary knowledge and resources. Ensure that he has a strong grasp of Catholic teachings, including Salvation History, Scriptures, Catechism, and the writings of the saints. Encourage him to refer to original sources and question popular opinions. Additionally, help him establish contact with the Vocations Director, who will guide him through the application process and necessary requirements.
Remember that your son's decision to enter the seminary is a personal journey, and he may need your support and encouragement throughout the process. Be open to communication and provide a safe space for him to express any concerns or doubts he may have. Your role is to nurture and support his spiritual growth, knowing that he will have ample opportunities to maintain family relationships and develop healthy connections with others during his time in the seminary.
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Encourage him to visit the seminary and meet current seminarians
If your son is considering entering a Catholic seminary, it is important to encourage him to visit the seminary and meet current seminarians. This will give him a first-hand experience of seminary life and help him discern whether it is the right path for him.
When visiting a seminary, your son will typically have the opportunity to meet and pray with current seminarians, attend a class, and share a community meal. This will allow him to gain insights into the daily life and routine of a seminarian and help him understand the four dimensions of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. He can ask himself: "Can I picture myself here?"
If your son is transferring from college, he may already be familiar with the diocese's vocation director, whose role is to help him discern God's will and take the initial steps. If not, he should reach out to the vocation director, who will be his main point of contact and guide throughout the process. The vocation director can answer any questions your son may have about the seminary and provide valuable insights.
Additionally, your son should be well-prepared academically. He should have a grasp of Salvation History, Scriptures, Catechism, and the writings of the saints. He should also be encouraged to refer to original sources and question the opinions presented in modern Catholic literature. This will ensure he is equipped to handle the academic rigour of seminary studies, which typically include philosophy and theology.
Finally, it is important to consider the financial implications. While a seminarian's education is typically funded by the diocese or religious order, it is worth discussing the potential impact on your son's future career prospects. Entering the seminary is a commitment, and leaving part-way through can be costly.
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Help him to develop a foundation of personal holiness
Holiness is a universal calling—we are all called to be saints. However, pursuing personal holiness can become a vain pursuit if it is overly focused on the self. The Christian community should help personal holiness, and personal holiness should help the Christian community.
To help your son develop a foundation of personal holiness, you can encourage him to read and familiarise himself with the Scriptures, the Catechism, and the writings of the saints. He should also be encouraged to refer to original sources and not simply accept without question the opinions presented in popular textbooks and by modern Catholic authors.
Additionally, you can guide your son to recognise how God is at work all around him. This can help him move beyond his selfish concerns and connect with God's ongoing activity, allowing him to cooperate with God's desire for his life.
Furthermore, prayer is essential in cultivating holiness. Encourage your son to pray fervently and seek God's guidance in learning how to love and forgive. This connection with God through prayer, praise, and the sacraments aligns us with God's will, leading us to live in holiness.
Finally, it is important to remember that the spiritual life is a marathon, not a sprint. Help your son understand that building a solid foundation of spiritual health will enable him to cope with corruption and scandals that may arise.
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Ensure he has a grasp of Salvation History and the Scriptures
If you want to encourage your son to enter a Catholic seminary, it is important to ensure that he has a good grasp of Salvation History and the Scriptures. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, encourage your son to read and understand the Bible as a book of history. Help him to see that it is not just a collection of stories, but one cohesive story with a beginning, middle, and end. The Bible is a historical narrative of God's plan of salvation for humanity, with Jesus Christ as the central figure. Understanding this will give your son a solid foundation for his theological studies.
Secondly, help your son to connect the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, and the New Testament fulfils those prophecies. For example, the Old Testament covenants find their full expression in the New Covenant between Jesus and his Church. By understanding the Old Testament roots, your son will be able to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Thirdly, encourage your son to explore the rich depth of Scripture. The Bible is more than just a collection of moral teachings; it is a complex narrative with themes, patterns, and prophecies. Encourage him to read original sources, such as the works of the Church doctors, saints, and early Church councils, to gain a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Additionally, help your son understand the context of Salvation History within world history. God's plan of salvation unfolded within specific historical events and cultures. Understanding this context will give your son a more comprehensive grasp of Scripture and how it relates to the world.
Finally, encourage your son to see the Bible as a personal letter from God. While it may seem like a collection of obscure details, it is ultimately a revelation of God's love for humanity and his plan of salvation. By reading the Bible with this understanding, your son will be able to interpret the Scriptures in a way that is both academically rigorous and spiritually meaningful.
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Guide him to be faithful to God's call
If your son is considering entering a Catholic seminary, it is important to guide him to be faithful to God's call. Here are some ways to do that:
Pray and Seek God's Will
Encourage your son to pray and seek God's will for his life. This may involve having conversations with a priest or spiritual director who can mentor and guide him in discerning God's call. Your son's bishop and vocation director will also play a crucial role in affirming or disconfirming whether the call in his heart is from God.
Build a Foundation of Personal Holiness
Help your son develop a strong foundation of personal holiness. This includes teaching him to read and engage with challenging material, such as great works of literature, history, philosophy, and the doctors of the Church. Ensure he has a good understanding of Salvation History, Scriptures, Catechism, and the writings of the saints. Encourage critical thinking by urging him to refer to original sources rather than blindly accepting popular opinions.
Visit Seminaries and Connect with Vocations Directors
Arrange visits to seminaries so your son can experience the environment and envision himself there. During these visits, he can meet and pray with current seminarians, attend classes, and join community meals. Encourage him to connect with vocations directors, who can provide valuable guidance and help discern the next steps.
Understand the Seminary Application Process
Learn about the seminary application process, which typically involves an initial inquiry, discernment, and a formal application. The application process may include a psychological evaluation and interviews with the vocation director, seminary staff, and the Seminary Admissions Advisory Committee. It is important to know that your son will not be committing to a lifetime of celibacy by applying; the early stages of formation are focused on discernment.
Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support
Support your son emotionally and spiritually throughout his journey. Remember that doubt and faith are both normal parts of the process. Be there to listen, offer encouragement, and help him work through any challenges or questions he may have.
Remember, the decision to enter a seminary is a significant one, and your son may need time to discern and respond to God's call. Be patient, offer guidance, and provide the support he needs to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Your son should have a grasp of Salvation History and the Scriptures, including the Catechism and the writings of the saints and the great encyclicals. He should also be encouraged to refer to original sources and not simply to accept without question the opinions presented in modern Catholic texts.
The application process varies from seminary to seminary and diocese to diocese. Your son will need to complete an application for both his home diocese and the seminary. The process will likely include a psychological evaluation and interview with the vocation director and seminary rector.
It is normal for your son to have doubts and questions throughout the process. Most men entering college seminary are uncertain about their vocation to the priesthood but share a desire to discern whether God is calling them to the Catholic priesthood.
Seminary life focuses on four dimensions of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. The Vatican now requires seminaries to institute a "propaedeutic stage" of preliminary formation before a man begins seminary life to allow him to detach himself from the world and focus on his relationship with Jesus, his community, and himself.
You can encourage your son to be faithful to God's call and maintain and develop family relationships through visits and frequent communication. You can also speak to your diocesan vocation director about financial support, as dioceses often help their seminarians cover part of their expenses.
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