FAQs

What is a priest?.

The catholic preist is in the service of God as Jesus the High Preist in His works of caring for His church and all people. More than jsut a minister, a preacher, leader, or counselor, the preist stands "in the person of Christ the head" to bring all man the fruits of Christ's love and grace. By the Sacrament of Holy Orders the priest is ser apart for the works of God. 
What do priests do?
In addition to celebrating the Mass, priests though their office they are authorized to absolve sins, baptize, prepare couples for marriage by celebrating weddings, bury the dead, teach the faithful, and commit themselves to a life of service within the Church.
What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
This sacrament bestows the graces necessary to be a member of the Clergy in the Church. There are three degrees of Clergy.

1. Deacon - ordained for service especially in three areas: the Word, the Liturgy and Charity.
2. Priest - ordained to serve the People of God within a particular Diocese or Religious community
3. Bishop - ordained to serve the People of God in a position of authority and oversight. He is a pastor of a diocese.

  What are the two kinds of Priests?
A  Diocesan priest is one who serves a bishop within a particular diocese. Besides parish work, a priest can be assigned to minster as chaplains in hospitals, schools or convents.

A  Religious priest is a member of a community that is committed to a special charism, such as monastic life, missionary work or teaching. They serve a superior. 

Military Chaplains are either diocesan or religious priests who are assigned for several years to serve military establishments around the world. They are given this assignment by their Bishop or Superior. What are the qualifications for being a priest?
25 is the minimum age for ordination according to the Canon Law of the Church. Since it can take up to ten years of formation, one can enter the seminary right after high school.

Besides good mental health and academic ability, a candidate for the priesthood also needs a strong prayer life, involvement in his parish, a spirit of service and sacrifice, and a deep love for the Church. He must have talent for the service of the Church. Along with that, they need a healthy psychological, inter-personal life which helps determine how genuine the candidate is in discerning God's call. Why are priests not married?
Celibacy - the commitment not to marry - is seen as a gift that God bestows on those who are called to the priesthood. The church fully understands that marriage is only natural, but she sees the example of Jesus, which must be reflected in the life of a priest, as he represents a man dedicated and devoted to God alone. Through celibacy the priest mirrors the love that Christ has for all, a love that the priest reflects by his unattachment to spouse and children. But the Church becomes his spouse and all people his children. Where do you study to be a priest?
Candidates for priesthood study at a seminary, a college-like campus which is dedicated only towards the formation of future priests. The seminary, just like a college, demands that the candidates are well formed in their intellectual pillar by studying and learning. Besides classes, there is a daily life of prayer, a daily workout routine, weekly pastoral work with the community, along with many other activities. During summer vacations, seminarians are usually assigned to a parish in the diocese. Brownsville seminarians are currently receiving their first years of formation at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana and eventually are led to St. Mary's Seminary in Houston for their Theological studies. How much does seminary formation cost?
The Diocese of Brownsville wants future priests to have the best possible education for both College (undergraduate) seminarians, Pre-Theology, and Theology (graduate) seminarians. Also understand that no candidate has the possibilities to pay for their own seminary education, therefore the Diocese will assist and pay for all educational and living expenses. What studies are needed?
For candidates that come right after high school with no college credits, they are required to complete a four years college degree which has a well-rounded education with an emphasis on philosophy, which is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and mind. Philosophy is necessary to be the foundation in which future studies will be stablished. After those four years, there are four more years of graduate studies in which are focused in the foundation of the Sacramental studies and mainly Theology, which is the systematic study of the nature of the Divine and religious belief. For those that already have a college degree will need two years of Philosophy studies to obtain the required credits in order to begin their Theological studies which lead towards the priesthood.

What if my family is not supportive?

One main question those that discern will have their question about how their loved one will take their decisions. Sometimes family and friends can be reluctant at first about a call to the priesthood, or to a religious life – this can be due to many complex reasons, because of misunderstanding, lack of faith, economical struggles, their own expectations. Usually after giving them time and explanations, our loved ones, will eventually recognize the blessing of having a priest or religious in their family or as good friends. Even if we are to respect our parents' wishes, but adults we must foremost try to follow God's call, even if it is extremely difficult. But those that are discerning must remember that God is with them and will give them the strength to keep going. Family members can be assured that it takes many years before a man will make the final commitment to be ordained, it is a journey, and the help of the candidate’s family and friends are a great blessing.

Remenber- If You have any pesronal questions, reach out to your parish Priest, a seminarian, or the Vocation Director: Fr. Leonel Rodriguez.