What subject should I study on college, if I am desiring to attend seminary right after college

[Daniel99]

I am 19 years old and I want to become a catholic. I wanted to attend RCIA classes this year, but my parent, which are non-religious, didn’t allow me, so I will hopefully start attending next year and be baptized 2020. I know that it is perhaps to early to think about becoming a priest, but I have a strong desire to become one. Because of my family and other circumstances it is only possible for me to first graduate at a college, and then attend seminary. I want to study a subject that could be useful in my priestly vocation. In my country many priests are professors and I also want that. I am searching for a subject, not related to religion, that could be teached to others and that would be useful if I become a priest. Is philosophy a good choice, or is it in some sense contrary to our faith? Is history a good choice? Have you other suggestions? I would really appreciate all answers and be thankful for them and please pray for my family and me.

 

[guanophore]

Welcome to CAF Daniel99!

Is philosophy a good choice

Yes. Priests must have extensive background in philosophy.

Is history a good choice?

Yes, but primarily you should choose a subject about which you are passionate.

You should contact your local vocation director by calling the diocese and meet with someone about your desires and questions. You will get direction about how best to prepare.

They will also explain to you that one does not just choose to go to seminary. One must apply and the diocese or religious order supporting their studies must agree that this is a proper course. Many students who enter seminary do not become priests. If you are called to this, the vocation will be confirmed by those who are working with you in your discernment process.

There are also many other ways to learn about the faith besides attending RCIA. If you are not able to attend now, you can avail yourself of other resources, like Catholic answers!

 

[TheLittleLady]

Seminary is going to train you in Philosophy and Theology.

As someone who has worked for the Church after a career in the business world, the smartest thing you can do is to get an education in Business. Priests are going to end up running a business, a school and/or a parish. Unless you are in a very small, very rural area, the parish now is made up of staff with few volunteers.

There are rules and laws and business principals that you will not be taught in Seminary. Something that teaches you administration as well as the specifics of managing a non-profit company will serve you, your Diocese and your parishioners well.

 

[Mary888]

How about psychology? Around here have been many posts in which people had problems that they presented to the priest but he had to defer them to someone else because he had no degree in psychology.
Plus you would an original shrink so to speak because you would have to blend lay psycgology with God existance from a Christian point of view and avoid the New Age fall back into Buddhism. It would be useful and creative imho.

 

[GospelOfMatthew]

Since you aren’t Catholic yet, I think it’s way too early to base your future around the Seminary. God might be calling you to the Seminary but He might be calling you to married life or being single and since you aren’t Catholic yet, I would take it all one step at a time. That would be my advice, study something you enjoy. If it’s theology then good, if not that’s fine also.

It can be tough to discern if God is calling you to full communion in the Catholic Church, or to the priesthood. That is why I would take it one step at a time

 

[Herculees]

Yes Philosophy is a fine choice! Some other area’s you might consider is a Mental Health/Social Work degree as priests generally provide a lot of counseling! You also might consider a Business Management degree since pastors need to know how to run a church (business).

You may also want to consider what rite of Catholicism you are attracted to!
The Roman Rite/Western Rite of the Catholic Church the priest’s must be celibate!
Within the Eastern Rite arm of the Catholic Church they allow men to marry before ordination,
but once ordained they are unable to marry and once their spouse dies they are unable to remarry.
The Eastern Rite arm of the Catholic Church have many rites within it such as the Melkite Church, the Maronite Church, the Byzantine Church, etc.

 

[crenfro]

Philosophy, then electives in the other subjects mentioned. You really need to be able to understand and defend the faith and philosophy provides that basis. It’s the priority.

It warms my heart that you want to become a priest. You’re in my prayers. Please be a good and holy one, if that’s what you become. God bless you.

 

[Daniel99]

Philosophy, then electives in the other subjects mentioned. You really need to be able to understand and defend the faith and philosophy provides that basis. It’s the priority.

It warms my heart that you want to become a priest. You’re in my prayers. Please be a good and holy one, if that’s what you become. God bless you.

Thank you very much for your encouraging reply and prayers. You’re in my prayers too. God bless you.