Diocesan Priesthood is probably the most common image of
priesthood we have today. Your parish priest is most likely
a diocesan priest. He was ordained by the Bishop of Syracuse
and promised his life to the service of this diocese. The
priests of this diocese come in all shapes and sizes. They
have a variety of interests and hobbies. They also have very
different personalities and styles. The same is true of the
people of this diocese. God calls many different people to
serve his people. However, some qualities are consistent in
those who are called to priesthood. Be sure to look at the
discernment page for these characteristics.
On the way to priesthood, each man is
ordained as a "transitional deacon." On April 25, 2009, the
Feast of St. Mark, Chris Ballard was ordained by Bishop Donald
Trautman of Erie, PA. Chris was ordained at St. Mary's
Seminary where he has been studying since 2005. Bishop
Trautman also ordained two other students from St. Mary's, who
studying for his Diocese in Pennsylvania. There were a number
of friends and family from the Diocese of Syracuse in attendance to
offer prayers and support for Deacon Chris Ballard. He is
scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in Syracuse on June 5,
2010.
Deacon Chris Ballard and his fellow seminarians from the
Diocese of Syracuse.
Formation of a Diocesan Priest
Philosophy Studies are the building blocks for the Theology
Studies required of priests today. Some candidates choose to
enter the seminary right out of high school. The College
Seminary program will cover the Philosophy requirements.
Others will attend, or have attended, another college or
university. Each students transcript will be evaluated and
the appropriate pre-requisite classes will be assigned during the
first two-years of "pre-theology."
Theology Studies follow college seminary, or the
pre-theology program. Candidates for priesthood will take
four years of Graduate Theology classes.
Pastoral Year is a special opportunity in the Diocese of
Syracuse. Each seminarian takes a Pastoral Year after 2nd
Theology. This "internship year" gives the student a chance
to live and work in a parish for an entire year. Getting to
know the flow of a year in a parish is very helpful for
discernment.
The program of study, after college seminary or pre-theology, is
five years. Add in the pre-requisite work and the time of
formation is seven to nine years. This may sound like a lot,
but a lot is expected of priests today. We want to be sure
that you are prepared for a long and healthy life as a priest.
