The calling
If you're a serious Christian, you will want to discover God’s will for your life. This is the case when facing decisions about what to study, or where to live, or which career to choose. It is especially so when you face the challenge of discerning a lifelong commitment to marriage, to consecrated life, or to priesthood.
For those discerning priesthood, the question of God's will should resonate strongly. Many recount a sense of it being God's will that they become a priest. This quiet, persistent "nagging thought", or "tug in the heart" leads them to join a seminary to discern more deeply.
If you are considering coming to the seminary, but not quite sure if you should, then pray frequently (especially in Eucharistic Adoration). Go to Mass (daily if you can) and regularly receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Subsequently, get involved in your parish or local catholic community, groups like St Vinnies or other kinds of outreach and if you have a spare two minutes click here for some great advice!
Do not forget to talk to Catholics whose judgment you trust, like your parents, a friend and or your Parish priest. Check out the Vocations Melbourne website, for some helpful resources to help you with your discernment.
The journey continues
Corpus Christi College is a regional seminary and trains priests for the archdiocese and dioceses of Victoria,Tasmania and South Australia. To enter the College, you must be sponsored by one of those dioceses.
First, contact the Vocations Director of your diocese, a priest appointed by the bishop to help men thinking about priesthood. He will guide you through the series of assessments and interviews that you will have to do.
As well as being a committed Catholic, you will need to have at least completed secondary school; be in good health, physically and psychologically; able to relate well to others; and capable of hard work and of undertaking tertiary studies.
A 2008 Vocations movie for the Archdiocese of Melbourne, filmed at Corpus Christi College during the visit of the WYD Cross and Icon. www.melbournepriest.com
