Frustrated Over Two Year Waiting Period

[nsper7]

Right now, I must admit I am more than a little frustrated over the Church’s two year waiting period for beginning formation to the Priesthood. I was Confirmed at the Easter Vigil of 2009, but have been a Christian for about five years and was involved in the Anglican Communion, where I first really strongly felt a desire for the Priesthood, for at least a year.

I have been told that I have to wait at least two years before I can even start the formation process/Seminary. I had planned to spend these two years volunteering as a lay missionary with the Comboni Missionaries, but I just received word that that will no longer work (I can serve for a couple of months, but not for two years). I must admit I am both saddened and angered at this turn of events, especially after the Priest I met with from there a few weeks ago gave the impression that this was a very promising plan.

Now, I do not begrudge the Church the right to discipline themselves as they see fit, but it seems counterproductive, almost hypocritical, to constantly complain of the shortages of Priests, etc., but then to by their actions to cause personal hardship for those who are strongly desiring to move in that direction.

I am not asking to be rushed towards ordination, merely to be granted the opportunity to start formation and Seminary (I would probably go for more than just the base degree, probably seeking to at least get an STL as well). Again, the Church has the authority and the right to take this stance rigidly, but then they need to stop complaining that they are having problems finding new Priests.

Now, I know the party line on this issue, but again it seems counterproductive. After all, I understand that people can fall into the proverbial ‘zealotry of the neophytes’, but it would seems better to let someone into Seminary who is zealous and thus better form that zealotry and help the person maintain their love for the faith as they become a Priest rather than leave them to their own devices and hope for the best.

Is there anyway this two-year waiting period can be appealed? This is frustrating, does create a personal hardship on me and I must admit it feels a little insulting.

 

[Corki]

nsper7,

First of all welcome home!!!

Since you are still in the period of mystagogy, maybe you would have a different response from the “powers that be” is you complete those studies and then ask to have your request re-evaluated.

If all else fails, you can always start the seminary course work without being in the seminary. For example, I looked into the MA theology program at Holy Apostles Seminary. The classes are the same ones the seminary students take. If the diocese holds fast to its two year requirement, you will be way ahead of the game by that time.

Good luck!

 

[nsper7]

nsper7,

First of all welcome home!!!

Since you are still in the period of mystagogy, maybe you would have a different response from the “powers that be” is you complete those studies and then ask to have your request re-evaluated.

If all else fails, you can always start the seminary course work without being in the seminary. For example, I looked into the MA theology program at Holy Apostles Seminary. The classes are the same ones the seminary students take. If the diocese holds fast to its two year requirement, you will be way ahead of the game by that time.

Good luck!

Is there anyone to appeal to? I mean, like a letter to the Vatican explaining my case.

 

[Spirithound]

Is there anyone to appeal to? I mean, like a letter to the Vatican explaining my case.

I don’t think so. Each bishop is responsible for the vocations in his own diocese. Keep praying!

 

[nsper7]

I don’t think so. Each bishop is responsible for the vocations in his own diocese. Keep praying!

Are there any diocese that waive the two year period?

 

[kyria]

Right now, I must admit I am more than a little frustrated over the Church’s two year waiting period for beginning formation to the Priesthood. I was Confirmed at the Easter Vigil of 2009, but have been a Christian for about five years and was involved in the Anglican Communion, where I first really strongly felt a desire for the Priesthood, for at least a year.

I have been told that I have to wait at least two years before I can even start the formation process/Seminary. I had planned to spend these two years volunteering as a lay missionary with the Comboni Missionaries, but I just received word that that will no longer work (I can serve for a couple of months, but not for two years). I must admit I am both saddened and angered at this turn of events, especially after the Priest I met with from there a few weeks ago gave the impression that this was a very promising plan.

Now, I do not begrudge the Church the right to discipline themselves as they see fit, but it seems counterproductive, almost hypocritical, to constantly complain of the shortages of Priests, etc., but then to by their actions to cause personal hardship for those who are strongly desiring to move in that direction.

I am not asking to be rushed towards ordination, merely to be granted the opportunity to start formation and Seminary (I would probably go for more than just the base degree, probably seeking to at least get an STL as well). Again, the Church has the authority and the right to take this stance rigidly, but then they need to stop complaining that they are having problems finding new Priests.

Now, I know the party line on this issue, but again it seems counterproductive. After all, I understand that people can fall into the proverbial ‘zealotry of the neophytes’, but it would seems better to let someone into Seminary who is zealous and thus better form that zealotry and help the person maintain their love for the faith as they become a Priest rather than leave them to their own devices and hope for the best.

Is there anyway this two-year waiting period can be appealed? This is frustrating, does create a personal hardship on me and I must admit it feels a little insulting.

A great attribute a priest can have is patience. And there is obviously a reason there is a two year waiting period. If you can’t learn patience, and obedience to rules now, what sort of priest to you hope to finally become? When and if you do eventually become a priest, are you going to follow suit and go over the Bishops head and run to the Vatican when things aren’t the way you like them?

If you truly have a calling to the priesthood, and love and zeal for the Faith, then a two year waiting period shouldn’t sour that.

And just because someone has a zeal for the priesthood doesn’t necessarily mean they’d make a good priest or even someone that should become a priest. Shortages in some areas doesn’t mean rules should be bent just because someone doesn’t find it suits them. Once upon a time the Church let in people to the seminaries who really shouldn’t have been allowed in. I’d rather a discernment period be given to potential applicants, then waiver regulations due to shortages and risk applicants getting in that really wouldn’t make good priests.

I am sure you can find something to do in this period, hopefully that will aid you when you and if you do go into the seminary.

I’d love to be able to chuck my job in and do something that I feel worthy of my readiness to do something for the Church, but God has other ideas and for now, as frustrating as this is, I have to wait, and as I am waiting, I am learning things and changing in myself, so waiting does have a positive side. Find yours and God Bless your journey.

 

[navidad]

Right now, I must admit I am more than a little frustrated over the Church’s two year waiting period for beginning formation to the Priesthood. I was Confirmed at the Easter Vigil of 2009, but have been a Christian for about five years and was involved in the Anglican Communion, where I first really strongly felt a desire for the Priesthood, for at least a year.

I have been told that I have to wait at least two years before I can even start the formation process/Seminary. I had planned to spend these two years volunteering as a lay missionary with the Comboni Missionaries, but I just received word that that will no longer work (I can serve for a couple of months, but not for two years). I must admit I am both saddened and angered at this turn of events, especially after the Priest I met with from there a few weeks ago gave the impression that this was a very promising plan.

Now, I do not begrudge the Church the right to discipline themselves as they see fit, but it seems counterproductive, almost hypocritical, to constantly complain of the shortages of Priests, etc., but then to by their actions to cause personal hardship for those who are strongly desiring to move in that direction.

I am not asking to be rushed towards ordination, merely to be granted the opportunity to start formation and Seminary (I would probably go for more than just the base degree, probably seeking to at least get an STL as well). Again, the Church has the authority and the right to take this stance rigidly, but then they need to stop complaining that they are having problems finding new Priests.

Now, I know the party line on this issue, but again it seems counterproductive. After all, I understand that people can fall into the proverbial ‘zealotry of the neophytes’, but it would seems better to let someone into Seminary who is zealous and thus better form that zealotry and help the person maintain their love for the faith as they become a Priest rather than leave them to their own devices and hope for the best.

Is there anyway this two-year waiting period can be appealed? This is frustrating, does create a personal hardship on me and I must admit it feels a little insulting.

Hello Nsper7 and WELCOME!!!

It is wonderful that you feel so strongly about the priesthood. Your vocation will be especially in my prayer. And believe it or not, you are already “in Formation” towards the goal, if not according to your own standards, be sure that you are -according to God’ standards, as it is God ultimately who is in control of all the multiplicity of plans we can imagine or suffer.

I don’t know if you have really heard the good answer you got from Corki.

Since you are still in the period of mystagogy, maybe you would have a different response from the “powers that be” is you complete those studies and then ask to have your request re-evaluated.

If all else fails, you can always start the seminary course work without being in the seminary. For example, I looked into the MA theology program at Holy Apostles Seminary. The classes are the same ones the seminary students take. If the diocese holds fast to its two year requirement, you will be way ahead of the game by that time.

You can choose to follow the studies equivalent to the Seminary students without actually being a Seminarian from a Diocese. That’s not a problem. and of course, once you enter the Seminary in two years from now, you will already have those two years of studies done and will follow from there.

But Seminary life is not only about “head (name removed by moderator)ut”, and that’s the important thing about how do you take this frustration and deal with it. This is what I mean that you are already “in Formation” according to God and your bigger journey in life. So I think you have a lot to be very happy about: first of all your New Life in Christ.

You may also find some other religious group to volunteer with during these two years… so don’t give up but take it easy also. God is in charge, and things will clear up in God’s time … and it is always easier for us if we allow ourselves a lot of prayer time in order to tune-up with God’s Plan for us.

May the Blessing and the Peace of the Risen Lord be with you.

 

[nsper7]

Again, I ask are there any diocese that will forgo this two-year waiting period, especially for someone with Christian experience?

 

[ThomasEugene]

Just keep on waiting. You might be under the test of the Sprit. You have to stay strong. If you have the vocation, you must remain strong. 2 years is a short time. In my case, I have to wait for 5 years because i have to finish college.

I am praying for you.

 

[nsper7]

My question still stands. Are there any diocese that will forgo the two-year waiting period and start me in the Candidacy process? At first, I thought it was a Church-wide rule, but an earlier post made it seem like it was a diocese-by-diocese decision.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

My question still stands. Are there any diocese that will forgo the two-year waiting period and start me in the Candidacy process? At first, I thought it was a Church-wide rule, but an earlier post made it seem like it was a diocese-by-diocese decision.

I know of none.

I highly doubt any diocese or religious order/community would not follow this.

Do you have the required 30 credits of philosophy and 12 credits of theology?

If not you might want to work on that as this would take about 2 years to get.

 

[Allen537]

My question still stands. Are there any diocese that will forgo the two-year waiting period and start me in the Candidacy process? At first, I thought it was a Church-wide rule, but an earlier post made it seem like it was a diocese-by-diocese decision.

I’m not sure if it is universal, but it certainly is the norm in the United States.

And in short, I know of no diocese or religious order that would wave the waiting period for a neophyte.

I know that isn’t something you want to hear, but if you hope to make it through the seminary formation program, you better get use to hearing and doing things you may not like.

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but that’s the reality of seminary/religious formation.

 

[RevDrNorth]

Nsper7,

I understand your impatience as I suffer from that fault myself.

A couple of people mentioned the educational requirements and you have not answered them. Do you already have the undergraduate degree with the prerequisites? If not you will need to begin to work on them anyway before you get to seminary (Masters level training).

If you already have an undergraduate degree then excellent advice was given to begin graduate level distance learning studies from Holy Apostles. Anyone can enroll and HACS is a Catholic seminary. You could be well on your way to meeting a number of seminary classes by the time the waiting period is over AND have demonstrated commitment.

On top of that if you are interested in deepening your spiritual life join a Third Order (Dominican, Carmelite, etc). That would be another demonstration of commitment to spiritual development. Priests can be members of many (all???) Third Orders. I don’t believe Third Orders have a two year waiting period.

Remember you are going to be talking to a Bishop or religious order and getting them to support your call to the Priesthood. It is better to be working toward your goal and developing as a Catholic rather than occupying a pew for 2 years. Plus, if your are interesting in being a priest in a religious order, joining the Third Order (up front letting them know about your exploring a call to the Priesthood), it would give the religious order a chance to get to know you (establish a relationship). If you want to be a diocesan priest, you still demonstrate that commitment I spoke about above.

Between the Third Order and working on your education you might feel you are moving ahead.

 

[nsper7]

Nsper7,

I understand your impatience as I suffer from that fault myself.

A couple of people mentioned the educational requirements and you have not answered them. Do you already have the undergraduate degree with the prerequisites? If not you will need to begin to work on them anyway before you get to seminary (Masters level training).

If you already have an undergraduate degree then excellent advice was given to begin graduate level distance learning studies from Holy Apostles. Anyone can enroll and HACS is a Catholic seminary. You could be well on your way to meeting a number of seminary classes by the time the waiting period is over AND have demonstrated commitment.

On top of that if you are interested in deepening your spiritual life join a Third Order (Dominican, Carmelite, etc). That would be another demonstration of commitment to spiritual development. Priests can be members of many (all???) Third Orders. I don’t believe Third Orders have a two year waiting period.

Remember you are going to be talking to a Bishop or religious order and getting them to support your call to the Priesthood. It is better to be working toward your goal and developing as a Catholic rather than occupying a pew for 2 years. Plus, if your are interesting in being a priest in a religious order, joining the Third Order (up front letting them know about your exploring a call to the Priesthood), it would give the religious order a chance to get to know you (establish a relationship). If you want to be a diocesan priest, you still demonstrate that commitment I spoke about above.

Between the Third Order and working on your education you might feel you are moving ahead.

I have an undergraduate degree, but not the Philosophy/Theology prerequisites.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I have an undergraduate degree, but not the Philosophy/Theology prerequisites.

You will need to fill those Philosophy/Theology prerequisites before you could enter the major seminary, so why not work on them during this “waiting period”?

 

[withwind]

I have an undergraduate degree, but not the Philosophy/Theology prerequisites.

A friend of mine has a degree and now taking more philosophy courses. He has been recently accepted to enter seminary and will be in a pre-theology program. This means that some of the philosophy courses which he has already taken will be counted as part of the program. It is saving his time; therefore, you might want to do the same. Very importantly, discuss this with your Vocation Director. Be patient though!

 

[ForeverHis8827]

Welcome Home, and God bless you!

I also was Confirmed, on Holy Saturday.

I felt called to a religious vocation even before I knew I was called to the Catholic Church. It was through doing research on different monasteries that I started also doing research on the Catholic faith. It’s been maybe about 2 years now since my powerful conversion, and I am still convinced more than ever that our Lord is calling me to become a Carmelite nun.

I have recently bought a place ticket and will be going to the Monastery i’m discerning with for a visit and interview in June.

I have also heard that there is a 2-3 year waiting period for recent converts to become a religious. I don’t know much about it, but what I do know is when the Lord wills that I enter then it will happen. Whether it be this year, 2 or 3 years, or even 10 years I know that He has a perfect time and plan for everything. I know that His will will have other plans for me until that time because He wills that i’m not yet in a monastery.

If you also have to wait, know and trust that it’s according to His will.

Everyday I learn to say “Thy will be done”, and through everything to be more patient, faithful, and to trust more and more in the Lord, and to put all of my faith, hope, trust, and confidence in Him. I’m always reminded that I can’t do anything without Him.

I believe that all that the Lord wills to happen will help me to grow in virtues, and to become closer to Him, and to love Him more. I pray that this will be the same for you also.

May the Lord keep you and bless you!

 

[Bebekoualy]

Right now, I must admit I am more than a little frustrated over the Church’s two year waiting period for beginning formation to the Priesthood. I was Confirmed at the Easter Vigil of 2009, but have been a Christian for about five years and was involved in the Anglican Communion, where I first really strongly felt a desire for the Priesthood, for at least a year.

I have been told that I have to wait at least two years before I can even start the formation process/Seminary. I had planned to spend these two years volunteering as a lay missionary with the Comboni Missionaries, but I just received word that that will no longer work (I can serve for a couple of months, but not for two years). I must admit I am both saddened and angered at this turn of events, especially after the Priest I met with from there a few weeks ago gave the impression that this was a very promising plan.

Now, I do not begrudge the Church the right to discipline themselves as they see fit, but it seems counterproductive, almost hypocritical, to constantly complain of the shortages of Priests, etc., but then to by their actions to cause personal hardship for those who are strongly desiring to move in that direction.

I am not asking to be rushed towards ordination, merely to be granted the opportunity to start formation and Seminary (I would probably go for more than just the base degree, probably seeking to at least get an STL as well). Again, the Church has the authority and the right to take this stance rigidly, but then they need to stop complaining that they are having problems finding new Priests.

Now, I know the party line on this issue, but again it seems counterproductive. After all, I understand that people can fall into the proverbial ‘zealotry of the neophytes’, but it would seems better to let someone into Seminary who is zealous and thus better form that zealotry and help the person maintain their love for the faith as they become a Priest rather than leave them to their own devices and hope for the best.

Is there anyway this two-year waiting period can be appealed? This is frustrating, does create a personal hardship on me and I must admit it feels a little insulting.

I understand your anger. You had been planning something and everything falls apart because… they just didn’t take you for two years. It’s a waste of time, indeed. If they had taken you directly (the Seminary), it’d be two more years as a priest, which is very precious nowadays.
I don’t understand why the Church has a Priests/nuns shortage and they make ardent converts wait for so long… I know I wouldn’t enter Religious Life until… at least five years. Soo unfair!..

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I understand your anger. You had been planning something and everything falls apart because… they just didn’t take you for two years. It’s a waste of time, indeed. If they had taken you directly (the Seminary), it’d be two more years as a priest, which is very precious nowadays.
I don’t understand why the Church has a Priests/nuns shortage and they make ardent converts wait for so long… I know I wouldn’t enter Religious Life until… at least five years. Soo unfair!..

Well now, who ever said that life is fair?

As for this, no one has a right to ordination or entry into a religious order/community. A person may feel a call but that does not necessarily present. We do not know without a doubt that a call is present until we hear the Call from the Church though the bishop or a religious superior. If one “feels” called but that call is never acknowledged by the Church (again through the bishop or religious superior) then a true call is not present.

I know some will not like that but it is what the Church teaches regarding this.

The two year wait is sort of a cooling off period. Some converts enter very zealously and want it all, yet they can not and do not persevere. Also many do not know the Faith fully and the seminary is not the place to learn it.

During the two years there is much that can be done. Get involved in your local parish, this is a requirement of many dioceses and religious orders/communities. Get some education. For example, work on filling in the philosophy and theology requirements for the major seminary if one is looking to the priesthood.

To complain about the rules as set up shows something that a vocations director might not like to see.

 

[lakeview]

The two year wait is sort of a cooling off period. Some converts enter very zealously and want it all, yet they can not and do not persevere. Also many do not know the Faith fully and the seminary is not the place to learn it.

During the two years there is much that can be done. Get involved in your local parish; this is a requirement of many dioceses and religious orders/communities. Get some education. For example, work on filling in the philosophy and theology requirements for the major seminary if one is looking to the priesthood.

To complain about the rules as set up shows something that a vocations director might not like to see.

This is excellent advice. I was also asked to wait two years after first talking to my vocations director. Part of the reason is that it takes awhile, in fact more than two years!, to learn to be Catholic. It’s one thing to learn enough from RCIA, books, tapes, etc., to convert or come back. It’s another to learn how to live the faith, especially if your early formation was in another place.

I was a cradle Catholic, left after college, and was Southern Baptist for a time and then God brought me back to the Church. Now when I finished waiting to years, I had another interview. The result of that was not entry to the formation program, but more waiting–indefinitely. Fortunately, I had a good spiritual director who helped me learn to listen to what the Spirit was saying through the Church. And it was “not now.”

So wait. Learn to be a Catholic. Trust God to speak through his Church. After waiting two years (that is a good time to make up the prerequisites) you may be asked to wait some more. There is now, IIRC, a two year formation time before seminary. Discernment continues the whole time, even in seminary. Remember, the seminary will train you, but does not ordain you. That comes from the bishop. It’s even possible to finish seminary and not be called to ordination. Docility is not popular, but it is important to learn. Obey your spiritual leaders. Talk openly to them while the decision is open, but once it is made obey and trust God. Get a good spiritual director/confessor if you don’t already have one.