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g'day fr. johnson
mate I'm just wondering what are the reqierments of being coming a catholic priest? and what you do to chouse your order? and so on
I'm not 100% sure if i want to join the priesthood but id love to look at it
thanks a lot
will
oh sorry for the poor spelling thats dislexia for you!
Hi, Will:
Thanks for the question.
The academic requirements for becoming a Catholic Priest, at least from what I know of my own experience in the U.S.A. is the following: an undergraduate degree (4-years of college after high school) of a BA or BS; then, if that degree was not in Philosophy ordered towards the study of Theology, then a man would have to get 2-years of Philosophy before beginning Theology Studies. The Theology studies take 4-years. So, basically, a man is looking at anywhere from 8 to 10 years after high school of studies and formation.
I am a Diocesan Priest, and not a member of an order; but for those men who feel called to an order of religious life, they choose it based upon the special work or "charism" of the order, that includes some particular spiritual emphasis and devotion.
In addition to all of the above considerations, it is important to be involved in the life of your parish as, for example, an Altar Boy, maybe Knights of Columbus, music program, etc. I suppose a lot of the involvement would be based upon your age. Also foster a devotional life, praying the Rosary every day, and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and assist at Mass even on weekdays if it is possible.
I wish you the best of everything and God's richest blessings!
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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