Screening Process Of Applicants For Seminary

Revised January 2003

Table of Contents

1. Inquiry Stage
2. Applicant Stage
3. Formal Interview
4. Candidate Stage
5. Seminarian Stage

1. Inquiry Stage

The inquirer contacts the diocesan Vocation Director, by phone: (409) 835-5037, or email: vocations@dioceseofbmt.org .

The Vocation Director will meet with the inquiring party to see if he is a potential applicant. The inquirer is responsible for his own travel costs to/from the diocese.

If the Vocation Director determines so, he will have the inquirer fill out completely the Application for Acceptance As A Seminarian For The Diocese of Beaumont, including the Clergy/Seminarian Background Questionnaire.

Along with the application and background questionnaire, the inquirer is to return to the Vocation Director the following documentation:

• A copy of his birth certificate.

• A recent (issued within the past 6 months) baptism certificate, with all notations on back.

• A certificate of Confirmation (unless noted on the baptism certificate).

• Copies of documents/transcripts verifying educational background, academic degrees, or certification.

• A thorough, candid, and chronological autobiography (signed and dated), including:

  • family background;
  • health;
  • faith history and discernment of vocation;
  • involvement with the Church;
  • a chronological listing of work experience after high school;
  • reasons for wanting to become a priest and for applying to this particular Diocese;
  • any previous applications to a Religious Institute or Diocese, and if not accepted, why;
  • previous time spent in a seminary or Religious Institute, and reasons for departure;
  • if previously married: how long, number of children, the circumstances of the breakdown of the marriage, grounds if declared invalid, etc.

• Results of a complete physical exam and a dental exam (both within the past 6 months). Any prescribed medical or dental work must be completed, at the inquirer's expense, prior to acceptance as a seminarian.

• Letters of recommendation (also concretely addressing strengths and weaknesses of the applicant) from the pastor of the parish where he is currently active, from any other priest or religious who may have advised him in his discernment, from a current employer or supervisor, or from a friend or co-worker.

• If previously married: documents of marriage, divorce, and final annulment notification.

• If not a U.S. citizen: copies of all immigration documents: passport, visa, I-94, permanent residency, etc.

• If currently/previously a seminarian: name of sponsoring Bishop/Religious Superior and rector of seminary currently/previously attending, along with their mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers so contacts can be made and documentation requested; signed release for seminary to release files to Diocese of Beaumont.

2. Applicant Stage

After the Vocation Director reviews all of the documentation and determines that the person is still a viable applicant, then he and the Director of Seminarians will arrange for an interview of the applicant by members of the Vocations Board.

A confidential copy of the applicant's documentation will be provided to the members of the Board for their review in advance of the meeting.

3. Formal Interview

The applicant is interviewed by at least two members of the Vocations Board.

Following the interview, there is a discussion, after which the Board makes its recommendation to the Bishop.

The Bishop will then meet with the applicant.

If the applicant is approved for candidate status, he is notified.

4. Candidate Stage

A complete psychological assessment is arranged by the Vocation Director or the Director of Seminarians with a qualified professional, unless a professional report in the last 12 months is available. The Diocese will cover the expense of the assessment.

The background checks (convictions, credit, driving) are completed.

If approved by the Bishop, the candidate is notified in writing of his acceptance as a seminarian.

If immigration application is necessary, the Chancellor, with guidance from C.L.I.N.I.C. (Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.), will assist the candidate to obtain the proper documentation, unless the candidate will be obtaining a "Student Visa" through the Seminary.

5. Seminarian Stage

Arrangements are initiated for entrance into the Seminary.