i'm a sophmore theology major and philosophy minor. A great desire for the priesthood has grown within me for quite some time to the point where i am quite sure it is my vocation. But i have some concerns as to the variables of my entrance into the seminary, especially the question of "when?".

For one, i already have a bit of schooling under my belt and i'm wondering if i would have to restart the process if i entered halfway through the school year.

Also, i should choose a diocese that i would be interested in serving in to receive formation there, but i am unsure as to where i want to serve. i want like to receive formation where i am currently going to college (there is a seminary down the street and the seminarians take many classes on the campus), but i don't have any interest in serving in the diocese.

My greatest concern though is that if by waiting i am putting God off, and i'd honestly like to say "yes" as soon as possible. But i am concerned with wasting the money my parents have spent on sending me to this university. Please, i would really appreciate some direction. Thank you.

In Him

I think the best, and maybe the only, thing you can do is talk to the different vocation directors in the dioceses you're interested in. Also the one here, he would never hold it against you if you for instance prefer to return to your "home" diocese. Talk with them, and see what they say.

Apart from all, wonderful that you're answering your vocation in this way!

This may be something you know already but I think it takes some time to apply, be accepted and enter the seminary. There are probably others who could tell you the details. If the "When" question is just a concern about just finishing the school year, I would imagine that if you spoke with them you'd find out that you could start your application now and still finish the school year. They would probably even prefer that considering your course of studies.
I think also that it would be the diocese that dicides on where you go to seminary. Many times seminarians do study outside their Diocese.
The question of which Diocese to serve, well I'll remember you in my prayers. You have to let the Lord lead you.

Don't Diocesan vocation directors help you discern this as well?

They'd probably encourage you to finish your studies - at least this academic year. Also, the process takes about a year so you might as well stay in school.

no advice here (not a priest or seminariane) but good luck!

Great post

You really need to talk to the diocese you want to serve in, or at least talk to the diocese you are in about the requirements. All of my guy friends who discern the priesthood stress how important communication with the diocese is. It sounds like all of your concerns would be taken care of by the answers they provide. Ask them if formation requirements differ from diocese to diocese. And just to forewarn you, you will get many varying responses on this site so the best course of action (to prevent you from getting confused) is really to just go to the diocese or the seminary and talk to them in person.

I'll be praying for you!!
Lauren

Hi, there is a great vocation site called vocation.com that you might find helpful.
There are loads of questions sent in and answered by a priest who seems to write good stuff. You could write in to the priest or you might find something similar on there already. If God is in this the doors will open, even if you have to wait and work through some things it will not be time wasted just more to give to your ministry when you do get there. I know this personally - i discerned religious life for 12 years before entering my monastery and although it has been hard, i know it's been worth it.
Go with God and just trust Him and be open. With prayers, Stacey.