From Seminary to Priesthood 
The Path YOU follow to Ordination
It takes a committed, sacrificial man to be a priest. The Lord needs mature, courageous
men who clearly understand and deeply love the Church and its teachings to follow
Christ by giving their lives in sacrifice as worthy priests. As a priest, you stand “in
persona Christi” (trans: in the person of Christ) as you celebrate the Sacraments that
sustain the life of the Church in our wounded world. Through you as priest, the Lord will
baptize new Christians, forgive sins, anoint the sick, and change bread and wine into
Christ’s body and blood. To be well-armed for this vital, awesome mission, you will
complete a challenging academic program, featuring in-depth courses in Philosophy,
Theology, Church History and Scripture. Seminarians for the Diocese of Des Moines
study at a variety of seminaries, depending upon your level of formation and background.
Final decision concerning seminarian placement is up to the discretion of the Bishop.
PRE-REQUISITES
The seminary you enter will vary depending upon your previous academic background. Some may seek to enter seminary following graduation from high school and study at a seminary college such as St. Pius X at Loras College in Dubuque, St. John Vianney in St. Paul, Minnesota, or Conception Abbey in Missouri. Others may have begun at a secular college or university and seek to transfer to these seminary colleges. Still others may begin their seminary formation following graduation with a bachelors (or advanced degree). At a minimum, it is a requirement of all theological seminaries (graduate schools) that their student have a bachelor degree. At least 32 credit hours of approved philosophy is also required prior to studying theology.
The major seminaries (for those in graduate theology) that we use all offer a Pre-Theology Program that fills in the gaps for those seminarians who enter without the necessary philosophical background. The Seminary evaluates the needs of such student’s case-by-case. Once the pre-requisites are done, the seminarian begins the formal ‘I Theology’ year, usually at the same major seminary they attended Pre-Theology.
MASTER OF DIVINITY, FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM
The program involves 4 years of academic study. The requirements are a combination of the courses necessary to complete the Master of Divinity degree (M.Div), the Priestly Formation courses specified by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Master of Divinity Requirements: You will complete 45 academic courses (141 quarter credit hours) in Scripture, Dogmatic Theology, Moral/Spiritual Theology, Church History, Liturgy, Music, Sacramental Theology, Canon Law, Religious Education, Evangelization, Pastoral Counseling & Leadership, and Homiletics.
Overview of Process:
College Seminary or Undergraduate degree.
If needed, 1 to 2 years Pre-Theology.
First Year: I Theology.
Second Year: II Theology.
Third Year: III Theology. Ordained a transitional deacon at the end of the third year.
Fourth Year: IV Theology. Ordained a Priest at the end of the Final Year.
After Graduation and ordination: Assigned as an Associate Pastor at a parish for approximately 2-8 years.
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