The Steps
"Steps" is a good way to describe the process of discerning one's future, especially where the priesthood and religious life are concerned. Some struggle too intensely about the possibility of a vocation because they think that a decision must be made with one single great mental leap, once and for all time. But, as in most of life, vocational discernment is a careful and prayerful process of taking things one small step at a time, always asking along the way, "Lord, is this where you want me?" The answer to that question will come to a listening heart with the help of other people - trusted friends and family members, priests, teachers, and many others who provide guidance and experiences. Many times men can only find the answer to the question, "Should I become a priest?" by actually entering the seminary, in which all concerned - the candidates, the diocese, and the seminary faculty - go through discernment about each man's suitability for priesthood.
The Diocese of Jackson uses several seminaries in the U.S., in addition to seminaries in Mexico for those who are beginning their formation there. St. Joseph Seminary College provides undergraduate college level preparation - both for those who are just graduating from high school and for those who have already completed some or all of another college degree. Notre Dame in New Orleans is a major seminary providing both pre-theology and graduate level theology formation. And Sacred Heart provides seminary formation for those who are more mature in age (our normal upper age limit is 45 for seminary applicants).
The process of becoming a priest or brother/sister in a religious order is unique to each order, though there are many similarities.
Please contact us even if you are only curious about the priesthood or religious life. Our desire is not to pressure anyone, but to help all in the great endeavor of finding the way of life which God intends for each person, which also leads each to the greatest possible peace, strength, and joy, in the use of each one's unique talents for the good of all.