Can I be ordained a priest of the diocese of Rome?

[hamburglar]

Is it possible for me to become a Priest for the diocese of Rome? I’ve been to Europe before, and the Roman Catholic Church isn’t watered down like it seems to be so often here in the United States.

It would be a dream come true to be a Priest under obedience to the Bishop of Rome, the Pope himself!

 

[Br_Mark]

Dear Hamburglar,

Yes it is possible, but while it is possible, each diocese has it’s own canons / policies regarding ordination. Most diocese have a minimum time that must be spent in the diocese before the process begins towards ordination; anywhere from two to three years.

As to your comment that the church is more “orthodox” in Europe than in the USA; I find quite interesting and at best is hopeful thinking. The European church is for the most part less attended than here in the US. And if you think the clergy in the US is liberal, it is nothing compared to are European counter parts.

While the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, he does not oversee the day to day functions of the diocese of Rome (sorry to burst tour bubble).

Br Mark, OSB

 

[Orionthehunter]

Is it possible for me to become a Priest for the diocese of Rome? I’ve been to Europe before, and the Roman Catholic Church isn’t watered down like it seems to be so often here in the United States.

It would be a dream come true to be a Priest under obedience to the Bishop of Rome, the Pope himself!

That may be your dream but what does God want of you?

 

[hamburglar]

The European church is for the most part less attended than here in the US. And if you think the clergy in the US is liberal, it is nothing compared to are European counter parts.

Depends on where you go, really. For the most part, I noticed that France was very orthodox, whereas England was kind of a joke.

While the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, he does not oversee the day to day functions of the diocese of Rome

Ya, I know that. I would still probably get to meet him, though. Serving God’s Church is more important than all of that, though.

That may be your dream but what does God want of you?

Wonderfully put. Thanks.

 

[Leopard]

Depends on where you go, really. For the most part, I noticed that France was very orthodox…

While this may be true for those who actively practice their faith, my understanding is that stastical analysis of many European countries, including France, shows the number of Catholics who do so to be distressingly small.

 

[m134e5]

That may be your dream but what does God want of you?

I second that. The church in America is changing and is getting better. We need people here to help it- not to run off to other places because they think they are better. No place is perfect.

 

[Michael_Saint]

Is it possible for me to become a Priest for the diocese of Rome? I’ve been to Europe before, and the Roman Catholic Church isn’t watered down like it seems to be so often here in the United States.

It would be a dream come true to be a Priest under obedience to the Bishop of Rome, the Pope himself!

My question is, why would you want to? I have a friend in Italy who discerned such a call, because he has the gifts to be a bishop, or maybe even a cardinal (no, that is not an exaggeration). He decided against Rome and in favour of another diocese because, first of all, he was open to the call of the Lord, of course, but humanly speaking, because he saw some very unsettling things - ie., many seminarians who are “climbers”, trying to “advance their careers” in the Church, etc.

A priest needs to give of Himself as Christ did. I do not think it is a priestly quality for one to “run away” from all the problems in the American Church, because one personally “wants” a church which is not “watered-down”.

 

[SerraSemper]

I have a friend who became a seminarian for the Diocese of Rome. It is possible, but it’s a painstaking process and you have to worry about things like residency, visas, and a bunch of civil redtape (to reside in Italy) not to mention the ecclesiastical hoops. How many years did it take him to enter the seminary? 7 or 8. Would it take you as long? Possibly.

Those who know Rome know that oftentimes the career minded priests really sour the experience of Church to those in the congregations. Yes, you might see the Holy Father, but let’s be honest. While he may be a great inspiration, the big thing is for a priest to be holy, and that can happen anywhere. The Faith is very dead in Rome and in Europe.

 

[freudmacher]

I see a lot of “knocking” on what you wrote.

If that’s what you think you are being called to do, through what you dream of doing, I say go for it. God might be calling you that way, a way that you would listen.

I hope for you all the best.

GO FOR IT!!!

I don’t know what I would do if I got these replies…but then again I have never told my dreams on here, and now wouldn’t.

Just like a Priest told me last week, it’s my vocation, no one else’s God is not calling them.