What is the Next Step?

What is the Seminary Application Process?


Acceptance into the Diocese requires

A candidate must demonstrate emotional maturity, academic ability, personal and psychological stability and consistent growth in the practice of the faith.  Good discernment will require that a man strives for holiness and humility.  The process of application encourages the candidate to realize that his vocation does not simply enjoy a personal dimension but rather flows from the Church and toward a ministry within the Church.  In this regard, no one has a "right" to ordination but rather is called by God and by the Church.  He is called to give himself away as Christ has and become a man for others.

Inquiry Stage: 

A man does not need to know with absolute clarity that God is calling him to the priesthood before making contact with his pastor or the Director of Seminarians.  The discernment process lasts until the very day that a man is ordained, if indeed he is ever ordained.  The time for inquiry arrives when a man simply has an inclination that God may be calling him to the priesthood.

Moving Forward: 

After an initial contact with the Director of Seminarians and with continued thoughts that he may be called to consider the priesthood, he will then have an extensive interview with the Director.   This interview will include an exploration of the man’s thoughts about priesthood and the reasons for his belief that he may be “called,” as well as an exploration of his life past and present. 

Family Visit:  

At this point, this is a time where the Director of Seminarians may schedule a visit with your family and give them an opportunity to ask about your life in the seminary and this point forward.  

Application Process: 

With the director’s approval, the potential candidate will then begin the application process.  Once all of the materials and evaluations have been gathered, the Director of Seminarians will then determine if the process should continue.  If yes, the candidate will schedule a meeting with the Bishop for his approval. 

College Men (Undergraduate-no degree)

If the man does not yet possess a Bachelor’s Degree, he will be simultaneously completing an application for the college seminary.  The college seminary is located in St. Paul Minnesota on the campus of St. Thomas University (St. John Vianney College Seminary). 

The Director of Seminarians will inform the seminary of the diocese’s readiness to sponsor the man as a Lansing seminarian. 

Pre-Theologians  (Bachelor's Degree or higher)

If the man has previously completed a Bachelors Degree, he will need to meet with a Diocesan Formation Board.  Upon acceptance, the Bishop and the Director of Seminarians will notify the major seminary.