Vocations Awareness: Priesthood

Kristyn Russell
Nov 10, 2017
2 min read

“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 7:17

Fr. Kevin Maksym -- ordained June 10, 2001

"Priesthood for me means accompanying people along their life of discipleship. Priests are

welcomed into people’s lives at the most joyful and the most difficult moments in life. For me, being a priest means being a presider at public prayer for the community, but also setting the tone for the parish to be a prayerful community. The role of a priest involves encouraging the people of God to become a community of love where everyone is welcomed into our faith community as a brother or sister. Priests are human, and like all people, are called to grow in Christ."

Have questions about the priesthood or discerning your call? Fr. Kevin would love to speak to you!

How does one prepare for ordination to the priesthood? A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation which lasts from five to thirteen years, depending upon his background and the seminary he attends. There are three levels of seminary: high school; college/pre-theology; and theology. In 1999-2000, over 700 students attended high school seminaries, 1,576 attended college seminaries and 3,474 were enrolled in theology schools. Seminaries address four types of formation: human, spiritual, academic (intellectual) and pastoral. In addition to the academic course work, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities, e.g., daily mass, Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. At each level of seminary training, the seminarian prepares for future pastoral ministry in various settings, such as schools, religious education programs, hospitals, prisons and parishes. All of the formation takes into consideration the human person; human growth and development is fostered by community living, workshops and other programs. The formation of future priests includes practical learning, too, for example, preaching, presiding at Mass and pastoral counseling.