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January
9, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 1Oakland,
CA
Journey from
inquiry to ordination
is a lengthy process of discernment
After participating
in Project Andrew, what does it take for a man to reach the priesthood?
Although the journey of each candidate is unique, that journey involves
some key steps as well as a lengthy process, says Father Larry D’Anjou,
diocesan vocations director.
To start, a candidate should attend the monthly discernment gatherings
for at least a year or two and be actively involved in his parish or in
a ministry.
When he is ready to take the next step, he will have a formal interview
with Father D’Anjou. If both the candidate and Father D’Anjou
are satisfied that the process should proceed, the potential candidate
will meet with the four-member seminary candidate assessment committee,
currently made up of Sister Barbara Flannery, chancellor; Father Ray Breton,
Deacon Matt Dulka, and Carol JOHson, wife of Deacon Earl JOHson.
“They give me very good feedback,” said Father D’Anjou.
“I ask for them to tell me ‘yes’ or ‘no’
whether they feel this man should move forward in the application process.
They usually say ‘yes’ because I usually don’t send
a candidate to them unless I think that the candidate is looking pretty
good.”
Once the committee gives their approval, the
formal application process begins. This includes gathering college transcripts,
and medical and dental records, undergoing a psychological profile and
a Live Scan fingerprinting (inkless electronic fingerprinting), and a
background check. Recommendations from priests as well as others who know
the candidates well are also sought.
In addition to this paper trail, candidates must be chaste and celibate
for at least three years before entering the seminary.
“That is true for all of them,” Father D’Anjou said.
If the candidate passes all of these requirements, he will be interviewed
by the bishop and by seminary officials. If accepted by the seminary,
the bishop will accept the candidate as a seminarian.
The discernment process continues in the seminary.
