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.