FSSP: How to become a seminarian?

[CutlerB]

First off, I’m just asking this question as a matter of interest, not as though I was contemplating becoming a seminarian. I will give a little background though, just to share my experience.

I attended my first Extraordinary Form Mass in Germany (I did go to Low Mass in Rome once) yesterday, because I found out that a priest from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) was coming to a parish half an hour away to say Mass and give a talk on the Sacrament of Extreme Unction or the Anointing of the Sick, and how to prepare for death.

It was truly a wonderful experience. The church itself was a very modern one, probably from the 70s, but it is amazing how six golden candle sticks, altar linen, altar cards and all the rest of the liturgical vessels and objects transform the entire impression. The altar truly became the focus of the Mass. Although I was rather confused, not being very familiar with the Ordo Missae of the EF, I knew exactly that “this is what Mass is all about”. Not in opposition to the OF, of course, but compared to what I am used to in my parish, this really made things clear.

After Mass, we went to the parish hall for snacks, chat and then the visiting priest’s address. It was solid, orthodox Catholic teaching expounded in a manner that was both intelligible and invigorating. I’d never got that before. The people I met immediately noticed I was new to the parish, and got me stocked up on all kinds of booklets, magazines, fliers and whatnot.

Having found this particular affection for the FSSP, I had the opportunity to talk to some young people there who were more familiar with the Usus Antiquior than I (which isn’t difficult). We talked about the situation of the EF Mass in Germany a bit, and my impression that the German Bishops weren’t exactly supportive of, if not opposed to, this Form was confirmed. Yet, I heard, the FSSP seminary in Wigratzbad was actually growing.

Thus, I wonder, how does one become an FSSP seminarian, with particular regards to the diocesan Bishops being relatively opposed to the Extraordinary Form being offered? From what I understand, one’s diocese handles one’s vocation and takes care of seminary, and one doesn’t “apply” at the FSSP directly. Thus, going through the diocese, wouldn’t it seem rather unlikely to ever make it into the FSSP?

 

[Filioque]

In most cases one does go to the Order or Society itself. Only when one enters a diocesan seminary program does one need the sponsorship of the local Diocese.

Usually one starts with a retreat of day of recollection at the seminary or house of the Order or Society, if one is called to diocesan life then at the seminary which serves that Diocese or group of Dioceses.

While one does need the permission of your Ordinary to be ordained, by a bishop that is not your own, Religious Orders and Societies do that for you. Since the FSSP is an approved religious Fraternity, founded by Pope John Paul II no less, even if your local ordinary put up a fuss, the superiors of the FSSP would deal with it, so that the candidate did not have problems as ordination time came up.

 

[CutlerB]

In most cases one does go to the Order or Society itself. Only when one enters a diocesan seminary program does one need the sponsorship of the local Diocese.

Usually one starts with a retreat of day of recollection at the seminary or house of the Order or Society, if one is called to diocesan life then at the seminary which serves that Diocese or group of Dioceses.

While one does need the permission of your Ordinary to be ordained, by a bishop that is not your own, Religious Orders and Societies do that for you. Since the FSSP is an approved religious Fraternity, founded by Pope John Paul II no less, even if your local ordinary put up a fuss, it would be delt with, so that the candidate did not have problems as ordination time came up.

Oh, I was under the impression that one’s own Bishop had to be involved whenever there was a person who was exploring his vocation. Thanks!

 

[Filioque]

If you are not seeking to enter the seminary of another Diocese, or another Rite, you don’t need your local Ordinary to approve the entry into a seminary of an Order or Society that is in good standing with the Church.

It is however good to go on vocations retreats with more than one order to see what the charisms of each are. One would usually need recommendations of at least two priests, and for a group like the FSSP, usually they would want you to have attended the EF for at least a year so you could understand the spirituality and form of the Liturgy.

 

[YoungTradCath]

No, certainly not. If you want to pursue a vocation just about anywhere/in any community, you apply directly to them. The diocesan bishop has nothing to do with FSSP vocations unless, for example, one of his already-seminarians or priests wants to join the FSSP.