Rationale for choice of a diocese?

[tuviskazinai]

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to see what people’s thoughts were on something. I know that most who are discerning the priesthood seek ordination in their home diocese, but that it’s technically possible to apply anywhere one wants. From reading through many threads on this list, it seems a major reason for choosing one diocese over another would be the relative orthodoxy of the bishop and of local parishes.

So my question is, if one were starting one’s search “from scratch,” so to speak, what are some other possible things to look for in a diocese? And in particular, do you think that being especially attracted to a particular diocese’s seminary is a compelling reason?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

 

[bilop]

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to see what people’s thoughts were on something. I know that most who are discerning the priesthood seek ordination in their home diocese, but that it’s technically possible to apply anywhere one wants. From reading through many threads on this list, it seems a major reason for choosing one diocese over another would be the relative orthodoxy of the bishop and of local parishes.

So my question is, if one were starting one’s search “from scratch,” so to speak, what are some other possible things to look for in a diocese? And in particular, do you think that being especially attracted to a particular diocese’s seminary is a compelling reason?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

I would think one should choose his home diocese unless there was serious reason not too (i.e. heterodoxy or immorality among the clergy).

If there is a serious reason to go elsewhere, the limiting factor would be which diocese accept such “transfers”, not all do. Other reasons could be location (stay near family), finances (does the dioces pay all seminary costs, does the seminarian-to-be have student loans, etc.), and friendliness of the diocese to Traditional Catholicism (e.g. TLM/EF Mass, etc.).

Are you looking for a diocese to “transfer” to?

God Bless

BTW, welcome to the form!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I think that you should look for a diocese where you want to spend the rest of your life no matter what.

You’ll be in the seminary for a few years. What happens after you leave? If the only thing that attracted you to the diocese was the seminary, how are you going to feel over the next 30 or 40 or more years that you’ll serve the diocese?

If you choose a diocese because you particularly like the bishop, what happens when there’s a new bishop who may be different?

Serving your home diocese seems very reasonable to me. If you do decide to go elsewhere, base it on being called to that area, not on transitory things.

 

[PapaSquash]

Pick a diocese that needs you? Either for quality or quantity of clergy.

 

[tuviskazinai]

Thank you all for your prompt replies so far!
Good question, Bilop…to say a little more about myself, I was baptized and confirmed in two different dioceses, and in between didn’t practice much because my family grew less and less religious as I got older. I didn’t really become an active Catholic in my own right until college, and since then – between jobs, internships, grad school, etc. – I’ve traveled among three or four completely different dioceses. So while I feel completely at home in the universal church, I don’t feel like I have a home diocese, per se.

I guess I feel closest to the diocese of my college…actually, it’s the diocese next door (in the same archdiocese) that really speaks to me, for a number of reasons…long story, I guess.

I should say that I am only just beginning to discern seriously…a decision like this still seems like a long way away! But I thought I would ask out of curiosity, in case somewhere along the line I decide to contact a vocation director. I know I need to find a spiritual director first, though…

Peace be with you all.

 

[bilop]

Thank you all for your prompt replies so far!
Good question, Bilop…to say a little more about myself, I was baptized and confirmed in two different dioceses, and in between didn’t practice much because my family grew less and less religious as I got older. I didn’t really become an active Catholic in my own right until college, and since then – between jobs, internships, grad school, etc. – I’ve traveled among three or four completely different dioceses. So while I feel completely at home in the universal church, I don’t feel like I have a home diocese, per se.

I guess I feel closest to the diocese of my college…actually, it’s the diocese next door (in the same archdiocese) that really speaks to me, for a number of reasons…long story, I guess.

I should say that I am only just beginning to discern seriously…a decision like this still seems like a long way away! But I thought I would ask out of curiosity, in case somewhere along the line I decide to contact a vocation director. I know I need to find a spiritual director first, though…

Peace be with you all.

Interesting story. I think you should feel free to apply to any of those dioceses. Maybe try a vocation retreat or other activity in each of the dioceses you are considering, and see if one “clicks” with you.

It would probably be good to contact a vocation director sooner, rather than later. They can also help in matching you with the right spiritual director. It can be hard finding one, given how busy most parish priests are.

May God Bless your vocation abundantly!

 

[chicago]

In today’s hyper mobile world, we too often don’t have a solid sense of place. But when one is committing to ministry as diocesan priest, this should be the determining factor decisively. Can you feel a connection to this place and its people? Do you consider yourself a part of it? Are you willing to give yourself to it unconditionally? It is there where you will likely spend the rest of your life in service. So know with some certainty that this is what you truly want.

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

So my question is, if one were starting one’s search “from scratch,” so to speak, what are some other possible things to look for in a diocese? And in particular, do you think that being especially attracted to a particular diocese’s seminary is a compelling reason?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

It can be the philosophical interpretations of a diocese, but it can also be location. It could be your home diocese you grew up in and have a strong connection too, or it could be an area you want to explore or always wanted to live in. Seminaries do vary, but that is only small part of the vocation, the vast majority of your time will be beyond seminary getting your hands dirty (so to speak) as you work with the people in the parish you are assigned to. You should look at the present and the future, but ideally with your eyes to the people you will minister too in any diocese more than just the leadership.

 

[Timmay]

Hey there,

You are not the first to ponder this question. Several guys here in my seminary have said they were in similar situations, and had to choose which diocese they wanted to enter with.

As someone else said, ultimately you have to pick which diocese you’ll feel most at home in your ministry for the rest of your life. Then contact that one. Bring this question up with your spiritual director (when you get one). He’ll help you work through this and figure out what it is you’re looking for in a diocese.

One recommendation I’d make… Don’t pick a diocese based solely on the Bishop or the orthodoxy/heterodoxy of some members of the clergy, or on certain diocesan policies, etc. Bishops come and go. Policies change. Not all priests do things the same. Don’t pick your diocese on these things, because when they change, you will still be there to deal with the changes. You’re the constant in that formula.

Take care,
Tim

 

[ASimpleSinner]

Pick a diocese that needs you? Either for quality or quantity of clergy.

I second this… There are some places that would be great to serve from the standpoint of someone interested in orthodoxy and obedience to the magisterium… But as great as it would be for a place like Lincoln Nebraska if all the men in America who were serious about the things they care about in Lincoln went to Lincoln… Well who would take care of the souls in need in Ohio? Texas? Michigan?

That being said, the Diocese of Honolulu was - at least as of last year - pretty much DEAD LAST in vocations… What a nice ministry that could be.

Surf ministry anyone?

 

[PapaSquash]

That being said, the Diocese of Honolulu was - at least as of last year - pretty much DEAD LAST in vocations… What a nice ministry that could be.

Surf ministry anyone?

It is a wonderful place. And they could use ministers. I did a retreat last year and their Diocesan Vicar said the masses, he’s a good man and holy priest.

Thanks for the reminder to pray for him.