The Process
This time of enquiry and preparation allows the applicant and the
vocations team to reflect and consider the applicant’s suitability to
be a priest and his readiness to enter the seminary process.
Stage Two
The foundation year aims to immerse the student in an understanding
of what it is to be a diocesan priest. Through Good Shepard Theological
College, the academic phase equips the student with the intellectual
skills required to be a priest in the modern world. The pre-pastoral
phase involves preparing for the move into parish ministry which
follows.
Stage Three
The pastoral stage is a year-long internship in a parish of the
student’s home diocese. The student reflects on the experience of
ministry in order to expand his pastoral abilities.
Stage Four
While continuing to grow in pastoral experience in a parish, this phase involves preparation for the ministry of a deacon. This is an ordained ministry which involves presiding at sacramental liturgies: baptisms, weddings, funerals. The student continues to study part-time.
Stage Five
For at least six months the deacon will exercise this ministry whilst preparing to be ordained a priest.
Stage Six
The newly ordained priest will continue to learn and grow spiritually through all the years of his ministry.
