In order to become a Catholic priest, a man must satisfy three basic requirements: a college degree, 2 years of Philosophy study, and 4 years of Theology study. 

Some men enter seminary while still in college and so they attend College Seminary.  Once they get a degree, they can transfer to Major Seminary.

Because the demands of priesthood are so great, formation of the Catholic Priest is extremely rigorous. 

Once you have shared your desire to enter the priesthood, the a more formal relationship is developed with your Diocese and the Vocations Director in particular. At this point you will be invited to apply to become a seminarian and an assessment will be done to determine your suitability after a period of prayer and discernment by your Vocations Director or Bishop.

Candidates, more often than not, are enrolled at the Seminary of St. John Vianney & Uganda Martyrs located in Tunapuna Village, Trinidad and Tobago.  

As a seminarian travels the path of priestly formation, he will pass through four stages from initial discernment and acceptance to formation and priestly ordination. All four phases of formation are integrated into each stage.

 Stages in the Life of a Seminarian

• Ministry of Lector (First Theology): Proclaim the word of God in a liturgical assembly.
• Ministry of Acolyte (Second Theology): Assist the deacon and priest during Mass.
• Admission to Candidacy (Third Theology): The bishop formally calls a man to be ordained.
• Ordination to Diaconate (Summer after Third Theology): A man is ordained to proclaim the gospel at mass, preach, baptize, witness marriages, and assist the priest in bringing Jesus to people in need.
• Ordination to Priesthood (Summer after Fourth Theology): A man is ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.