Priestly Formation

Requirements

1. a) At least 18 years of age or over, in good mental and physical health, of good moral character and with some dedication to the Church and the community.
   b) In the case of someone who has been received into full communion with the Church, a period of at least two years from the date of their reception is recommended before their application can be considered.
2. Normally a minimum of A-level attainments is required. However, someone having less than this level of academic achievement may still be considered for selection.
3. Candidates are interviewed by a selection advisory conference consisting of priests and laity which meets once a year (usually in April). Its recommendations are passed to the Bishop, who makes the final decision.
4. Before applicants go forward for interviews the following documents are required:
   a) an official application form completed by the candidate
   b) baptismal and confirmation certificates
   c) school or employment references
   d) references from other priests or persons of standing
   e) medical references
   f) psychology assessment
   g) an essay on your life with reference to the influences on your vocation, 1,200 words.
   

Finance

Students may obtain grants towards the costs of their training at the discretion of the Local Education Authority. For those not successful in obtaining a grant, the Diocese will make a grant available from the Ecclesiastical Education Fund.

Places of Formation

The seminaries where our students train are:-

a) St. John's Seminary, Wonersh - 7 year course of formation. 5 years at the seminary with the possibility of a Bachelor of Theology degree from the University of Surrey All work for these awards is done in the seminary under the guidance of the seminary staff. During the formation period an Extended Pastoral Placement of a year is normally taken. The final year as a deacon is spent in a parish.

b) English College, Rome - 7 year course which includes an S.T.L. degree from one of the Pontifica Universities.

c) Beda College, Rome - 4 year course for those mature students who have already completed a course of tertiary education.

d) Some candidates may be sent for a pre-seminary year to the Royal English College Valladolid

Younger prospective candidates are recommended to continue and complete their studies at their local primary and secondary school, while keeping in regular contact with the Director of Vocations and their parish priests.