The Application Process
Responding to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life is an exciting time in a young person’s life. With the vocations director, you will work together to trust the call, ask the tough questions, but also enjoy the freedom felt once you say “yes!” to the Lord’s call to follow him. It is definitely a process guided by the Holy Spirit. The Diocese of Gallup follows an application process like most dioceses in the United States. Here are some steps along the application process:
Applicant Guidelines
- The applicant will be a Catholic male who has received the Sacraments of Initiation—namely Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
- He is in good general health.
- He is between the ages of 18 and around 50 years old.
- He is not bound by any marital obligations.
- He is committed to living a chaste life.
- He prays daily and assists weekly at Sunday Mass.
- He regularly receives the Sacrament of Penance.
- He will have at least graduated from high school to apply for college seminary, or earned a bachelor’s degree to apply for pre-theology or theological studies.
- Interested men who meet our criteria are invited to speak with Fr. Matthew Keller, vocations director, to ask questions, obtain informational materials, fill out basic profile forms, and take part in discernment activities.
- Those who continue will be invited to have an interview with the vocations director.
- The applicant should ask a priest in good standing (preferably his own pastor) to write a letter of recommendation and send it to the vocations director. He should then provide a short biographical overview of his life and discernment.
- The applicant will be asked to undergo psychological testing and screening. He will submit sacramental records, academic transcripts, a work history, and personal references.
- Applicants at this point in the process may be interviewed by the bishop.
- Those applicants accepted by the bishop will apply to the appropriate seminary selected by the diocese.