Late Vocation

[Catholic4Jesus]

I hear that the years of study to become a priest is roughly around 8 years. But that if you’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree already but then later decide to pursue a vocation to the priesthood and enter the seminary, the training is 6 years.

Is this true?

And if you’ve earned how many years of training would someone with a late vocation have to undergo if he’s received a Master’s degree?

 

[Gorgias]

If you’re talking about a diocesan priest, then the 8- or 6-year thing is generally true. It’s different, though, if you’re talking about joining a religious order.

If you have a Masters in Philosophy, your pre-theology formation might be a little shorter (the possibility exists, but it isn’t carved in stone): any other Masters, though, would be irrelevant, and wouldn’t be a reason to shorten your pre-theology formation. Remember, though, that ‘formation’ is more than just academic work, so even if you have an MA in Phiosophy, there are good reasons why you might take the full two years before working on a theology degree.

(And, of course, if you already have an M. Div., you’ll still generally spend four years in theology; more than likely, you’ll work toward an advanced degree, while you do your theology formation…)

 

[pablope]

I hear that the years of study to become a priest is roughly around 8 years. But that if you’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree already but then later decide to pursue a vocation to the priesthood and enter the seminary, the training is 6 years.

Is this true?

And if you’ve earned how many years of training would someone with a late vocation have to undergo if he’s received a Master’s degree?

Priestly formation also includes spiritual formation.

The best thing is to call you diocesan vocations director and inquire.

 

[InThePew]

Priestly formation also includes spiritual formation.

As well as pastoral and human formation. Late vocations do sometimes result in a shortened programme but there is a certain amount of formation that’s required regardless of how old you are or what you’ve done.