Who is a diocesan priest?
A priest who commits himself to and is ordained for service of God’s people in a definite geographical area (a diocese) is called a diocesan priest
In addition to serving the day-to-day needs of people in parishes, diocesan priests may also serve in a variety of other capacities such as campus ministers, teachers, chaplains for hospitals or prisons, or in diocesan administration.
Who can become a diocesan priest?
A single man with average intelligence, emotional stability, good health and sincere interest in serving God’s people may qualify for the priesthood. He must have a sincere interest in people and a true love of the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings, as outlined by the Second Vatican Council and subsequent official Church documents. He should also be a person who is generous and looking for the challenge that comes in following the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.
How long does it take to become a priest?
For a man considering the possibility of priesthood he must ultimately receive a bachelor’s degree and a graduate theology degree. The exact requirements are tailored to the situation of the individual but generally involve the candidate receiving substantial education in philosophy and theology, much of which is obtained at the seminary.
In the Diocese of Gaborone, seminarians start with one year of spiritual in Botswana then they proceed for philosophy here in St. Bonaventure University for three years while staying in St Kizito House of Formation just 3 minutes’ walk from the university and a theological seminary for four years at St Dominic Seminary. 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. Therefore the total years for formation are 8 years.
