Q: I’m thinking of going to the seminary after college to pursue priesthood, but some factors are pulling me away. First, can I live outside of the seminary, and if not, can I go off campus at all? What are rules about watching TV and going on the Internet? How often will I get to see my family and friends outside of the seminary? Will my grades in college matter whether I get in? Can I have or own a phone? – B
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
It’s good to hear about your interest in the priesthood.
My quick advice is to speak with a vocation director in your diocese or speak with your pastor or another priest you trust.
Seminarians generally need to live in a seminary; that’s part of their formation. In a seminary it’s easier to pray and to interact with priests and other seminarians and to get a feel for the life.
Preparation for the priesthood requires a certain level of intelligence, given the nature of the studies (philosophy, theology, etc.). In any case, if you go to college first, put your heart into your studies.
Seminarians go off campus at certain points, for ministry or family visits. And there is probably some kind of access to TV and the Internet in most seminaries.
But don’t get too focused on maintaining your comfort zone.
The priesthood is a demanding life, so you need to get accustomed to sacrificing your preferences early on.
A book you might want to get is To Save a Thousand Souls.
For now, intensify your prayer life and sacramental life. Try to attend daily Mass when you can and spend time in Eucharistic adoration.
I hope some of this helps. Count on my prayers.
