Vocations
Diocesan Priesthood
Imagine being a priest!
"You have not chosen me. I have chosen you. Go and bear fruit that will last." (Jn 15:16)
What an awesome message to hear: "I have chosen you." God has created and chosen us for a particular purpose. Through baptism we are called into a life of holiness. Ultimately, some men are called to serve the People of God on their pilgrimage towards holiness as Diocesan Priests. These Priests serve in a diocese under the leadership of a Bishop, a successor of the apostles. In union with a bishop, priests serve as shepherds of local flocks in this diocese called parishes.
The Vocations Office of the diocese assists young men who are interested in exploring a possible call to the diocesan priesthood. The staff of this office provide opportunities for a young man to become aware of God's call, to discern the meaning of this call, to become educated about the life and ministry of a diocesan priest, and to provide for their formation should they be accepted as candidates for the diocese. All inquiries are confidential.
This is an awesome call that demands a great deal of a candidate. It is a heroic life lived entirely for Christ and His people. Could God be calling you to this life?
If you are interested in knowing more, please contact the Director of Vocations or the Assistant to the Director of Vocations below.
Imagine being a priest!
Contact
Office of Vocations (two doors down from Sacred Heart Cathedral)
226 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 832-6280
Vocation Director & Director of Seminarian Formation
Reverend Bernard (Ned) Shlesinger, III
Phone: (919) 832-6279
Email: shlesinger@raldioc.org
Assistant Director of Vocations
Brad Watkins
Phone: (919) 609-6654
Email: brad.watkins@raldioc.org
Blog: www.romancatholicvocations.blogspot.com
Administrative Assistant
Sara Edwards
Phone: (919) 832-6280
Email: sara.edwards@raldioc.org
General Information about Diocesan Priesthood and the Diocese of Raleigh
- Canonical Status: A single Catholic male in good standing with the Church
- Ecclesial Status: A practicing Catholic for at least 2 years
- Parochial Status: A practicing and participating Catholic for at least 2 years
- Minimum age for application: 17.5
- Maximum age for application: 49
- Length of formation program: 6 to 8 years
- High School Diploma: 4 years College Seminary; 4 years Theologate;
- College Degree: 2 years Pre-Theology; 4 years Theologate
- Spiritual Life: Has a regular practice of daily prayer and at least Sunday Mass
- Relationships: Has a minimum of two years of chaste living
- Pastor Endorsement: Pastor must recommend an applicant
- Minimum education for acceptance: High School diploma with above average grades
- Financial Issues: No significant debt
- Who Pays for Formation? The diocese pays for entire costs of Pre-Theology and Theologate; the Diocese offers a $5000.00 scholarship per year for College Seminary.
Primary Seminaries forming men for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Raleigh