Archdiocese of Portland
	Office of Vocations

What is a Diocesan Priest?

A diocesan priest is an ordained minister of God in service to the People of God.  The call to self-less service, after the example of Jesus Christ, is the particular “charism” of theDiocesan priesthood.  A diocesan priest ministers within a definite geographical area called a “diocese” and is primarily a collaborator with the bishop of that area. The specialmission of the Diocesan priest is essentially to serve in parishes with all the richness of experience that provides.

The Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon is particularly diverse in its geographical beauty stretching north and south from the Columbia River to the northern border of California, nearly 400 miles; east and west from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The largest concentration ofpopulation is in the city of Portland and surrounding area:approximately 1.5 million people.

Throughout this region we have over 250,000 Catholics, 126 parishes staffed by both Diocesan clergy and several religious orders. As a Diocesan priest one works closely in collaboration with men and women who serve in this diverse population with a significant number of Latino and Southeast Asian Catholics.

What are the special needs of the Diocese for those who apply to seminary studies?

Our particular populations, about 11% of the state population, have the same needs one would find throughout the universal Church.  However, certain issues are important for our priests: some facility with the Spanish language, an ability to work in a collaborative style of ministry, a willingness to adopt a spirit of “evangelization” in one’s ministerial approach.  As the Pacific Northwest is the most unchurched part of this country it provides a unique missionary spirit.

Seminary studies

Since 1882, we are blessed to have a community of Benedictine Monks who have resided at Mt. Angel Abbey, located 40 miles south of Portland.  The monks of Mt. Angel rightly pride themselves on their principle ministry as the education and formation of good priests not only for our Archdiocese but for many other Dioceses and religious orders throughout the western United States and Western Samoa.  Mt. Angel Seminary provides a college, pre-theology, and theology program that has obtained national recognition for excellence. At the present time 150 seminarians are enrolled “on the hill” in seminary formation. As of the 1999/2000 school year this Archdiocese has 16 men in study for the priesthood at Mt. Angel Seminary.

At the discretion of the Archbishop, our seminarians have also studied for the ministry at the North American College in Rome.  We presently have one newly ordained priest, who will be returning to Rome for his final year in October, 1999.  We intend to continue this tradition as well.  Likewise, if needs present themselves, other seminaries would be
considered as further options.

How do I inquire about becoming a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Portland?

The process of application begins with a letter or call to the Office of Vocations at the Pastoral Center followed by an interview with the Director of Vocations.

Our admissions process includes a psychological assessment, physical examination, and interviews with members of our Admissions Board.

In order to enter Theology studies a Bachelor of Arts degree is necessary either from  Mt. Angel Seminary or from some other college. The study of Philosophy is also required for the program at Mt. Angel.   We presently have seminarians who have a variety of both educational and work experience.  The general age of our seminarians is between  21 – 42.
 
 

Prayer for Vocations Jesus our Shepherd Christ our High Priest, you taught  Us that to be great in this world is to be a servant. Provide for your Church, Lord, priests of your mercy and healing. May they be alert to the wonders of the universe, Sensitive to the sufferings of the world And servants of the banquet of your body and blood.  (written by Fr Brian Fischer    Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, IL)

How do I know if I have a vocation to the priesthood? A Christian vocation to priesthood is a process of  discernment and a journey of faith.  At times the indications are very clear; other times they may appear more as an attraction, feeling, or circuitous route of searching.  -      Have others indicated that I should consider the  priesthood?  -      When I imagine myself living as a celibate priest in today’s Church, how do I feel?  -      What Church, employment or educational experience  indicates to me/others that I have talents         and abilities,  which would be of benefit to a faith community?  -      Am I presently involved in some sort of Church ministry? Is prayer and a healthy spiritual life          important for me? Am I in good physical health? -      How has my Catholic faith been instrumental in my consideration of a priestly vocation? -      What has been my family experience?  Always single? Widowed? Divorced? -      Are my financial responsibilities in control?  Debts paid off or manageable?  -      These and many other considerations are important for the discernment process.

National Religious Vocation Conference
www.nrvc.net

Vocation Directors for Communities of Religious Women and Men Serving in the Archdiocese of Portland:
Click Here

Quo Vadis Days is a 3-day camp for young Catholic men to learn more about the priesthood, to deepen their faith, and to better discern God’s call in their lives.  To learn more: www.qvdays.org