Diocesan Priesthood

[John_Augustine]

If one feels called to the secular priesthood, must he apply to the diocese in which he resides? Is it possible to apply to another, even a foreign diocese, if one feels thus called?

Thanks folks

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I have heard of priests who grew up in one diocese but went to the seminary in another. If you know where you would like to go you could certainly call the vocations office there to find out what you need to do. If you need to be a resident there before you apply you could move.

I would add just one word of caution. If you want to move to a different diocese because you don’t like your bishop or really like the bishop elsewhere, remember that bishops change. New bishops are appointed and you may prefer a different one.

I’m sure that your own diocese needs you and there are advantages to serving the area where you grew up. It’s something to consider.

 

[bilop]

If one feels called to the secular priesthood, must he apply to the diocese in which he resides? Is it possible to apply to another, even a foreign diocese, if one feels thus called?

Thanks folks

Yes, it is possible.

May God Bless your vocation abundantly!

 

[RCSeminarian]

Yes it is most certainly possible.

As a matter of fact when I applied for seminary I was asked by the Diocese that I live in if it would be for this Diocese or if I was thinking of some other Diocese. Of course I wish to remain in this diocese so I am here.

God Bless you on your Discernment!

 

[John_Augustine]

Thanks for the answers so far, folks

My next question, now knowing that it is theoretically possible; does anyone think that a foreign diocese (I’m thinking Italy, France or Spain) would even consider accepting me? My Spanish and French is decent, and I plan to study Italian beginning in September. Would the local diocese try to block any attempt at this?

I would dearly love to see the reconversion of England, but sadly I fear that this will not be accomplished unless the Church manages to regain ground in its traditional heartlands in the Mediterranean world. I would love to focus my efforts there, where they may be most fruitful should the re-evangelisation of the continent succeed. This may sound like romantic nonsense, but I know the Apostles went wherever they felt needed etc.

How would one even go about applying to a foreign diocese?

Sorry, I know I’m full of all these awkward questions I suppose the root of these feelings is that in the past, in Italy in particular, I’ve felt so close to the Church and the saints. I can’t quite decide if that means I should go and work there myself, or try to bring that feeling back here to England.

Your thoughts would be appreciated,

John Augustine

 

[RCSeminarian]

What I suggest you do at this point is to get into contact with the Vocation Director in Italy or whever God may be calling you. But, it is also important that you begin discerning your call. I would get in contact with your local Vocation Office there in your Diocese and speak with the Director and see what he tells you. Another good thing for you to do is to get yourself a Spiritual Director. Pick a priest, Sister or Deacon can could assist you with discerning this. It’s always good to have a Spiritual Director.

 

[JDHallKY]

Thanks for the answers so far, folks

My next question, now knowing that it is theoretically possible; does anyone think that a foreign diocese (I’m thinking Italy, France or Spain) would even consider accepting me? My Spanish and French is decent, and I plan to study Italian beginning in September. Would the local diocese try to block any attempt at this?

I would dearly love to see the reconversion of England, but sadly I fear that this will not be accomplished unless the Church manages to regain ground in its traditional heartlands in the Mediterranean world. I would love to focus my efforts there, where they may be most fruitful should the re-evangelisation of the continent succeed. This may sound like romantic nonsense, but I know the Apostles went wherever they felt needed etc.

How would one even go about applying to a foreign diocese?

Sorry, I know I’m full of all these awkward questions I suppose the root of these feelings is that in the past, in Italy in particular, I’ve felt so close to the Church and the saints. I can’t quite decide if that means I should go and work there myself, or try to bring that feeling back here to England.

Your thoughts would be appreciated,

John Augustine

I don’t know much about the Church in Europe as far as foreign vocations, but it has certainly become very common in the U.S. for dioceses to accept, and even actively recruit, candidates for the priesthood from outside the U.S.