Formation programmes vary enormously and can range from five to seven years depending on the nature and background of the candidate. While programmes can be tailored to the needs of the individual they generally involve the candidate receiving substantial education in philosophy and theology. Along with his intellectual formation time also needs to be given to forming the seminarian as a pastoral minister, spiritually mature and capable to ministering in a human way.

The years of training include significant times of discernment about the vocation to priesthood. Following this time of preparation and discernment, the Bishop may call the candidate to ordination.

It is important to say that there is no such thing as a typical priest or indeed a typical seminarian. Diocesan priests in Scotland offer a rich variety of characters, talent and interests.

A suitable candidate should be single with average, or above average intelligence. He should be emotionally stable and capable of relating well to men and women. He should be in good health and be sincerely interested in serving as an ordained minister. Anyone attracted to becoming a priest should be interested in working with people and in serving God.

Clearly as a prospective minister in the Roman Catholic Church a suitable candidate should have a desire to serve the Church. He also needs to have a working grasp of things Catholic and be ready to embrace the vision of the Church as outlined by the Second Vatican Council and subsequent official Church documents. A suitable candidate should be generous in spirit and ready to take on the challenge involved in the seminary formation programme and in following Jesus Christ and his Church.

The particular ministry that a priest might get involved in is dependent on several factors. Firstly the needs of the Church especially the needs of the diocese in which he serves, the ordained minister has after all placed his life at the service of the Church under the authority of the diocesan bishop, but a priest’s own interests and talents are also important. A diocesan priest spends much of his time celebrating the sacraments; Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage and Anointing. Some of his time should be set aside every day for prayer, especially the Liturgy of the Hours. He will be involved in visiting the sick, visiting the homes of people in his parish and working with various groups and organisations. His involvement with the people of the parish may lead him in any of a number of directions attending to the needs of young and old. He may find himself ministering in the local school or university. He will spend time with those caught up in the sadness of death and the joy of new birth. The parish priest strives to be available to the community whenever he is needed. He will be involved in offering counsel and comfort. He is also a spiritual leader in the community. Along with his parishioners, he addresses issues that touch all members of the community, particularly those who are abandoned and forgotten.

Most priests working in parishes are responsible for all ministry provided by the parish. He is also responsible for parish administration and general organisation. Having said all this a priest is also charged with care of self. He must find time to relax, to look after himself and to recharge his batteries.

Everyone looks for meaning and fulfilment in life. As Catholics we look to our faith in God to provide us with that meaning and fulfilment. It is in the service of God that ultimately we find our calling as Christians. Discovering our place in God’s plan allows us to discover what form that service might take; single, married, religious or as an ordained priest. As a result, and after serious reflection, prayer and study, some men feel that they are called to ordained service as a priest.

What is a Diocesan Priest?

A priest who is committed to working within a particular geographical are, for example Galloway, under the direction of the Diocesan Bishop is a Diocesan priest. Most often diocesan priests will work in parishes and be located close by the church. In some dioceses, particularly in rural areas, the priest may have responsibility for more than one parish and he may have to travel to several Mass stations.

In addition to serving the needs of people in the context of the parish diocesan priest will often find themselves caring for people in hospitals, prisons, schools, or similar locations.