Application Process

Reverend John Linden
Director of Seminarians

228 North Walnut Street
Lansing, MI 48933

517-342-2507 (Office)

E-mail: Reverend John Linden

The Process of Acceptance: With the guidance from the Bishop and the leadership of the Diocesan Director of Seminarians, major emphasis is placed on recruitment, discernment, evaluation and formation of men interested in preparing for priesthood.  The goal of the Diocese as set by our Bishop is to prayerfully and carefully select men who by word and deed will help build up the Kingdom of God. Our process for selecting and developing well formed and holy priests begins as follows:

The first contact can made in several ways:

a. Personal visit at the vocations office

b. Through the local Parish priest or other staff member of your parish

c. By letter or telephone inquiry

d. By participation in the Bi-Annual Discernment Retreat.  After an initial meeting with the Director of Seminarians and with his approval the potential candidate will meet with the Bishop.  The Bishop will give his recommendation to the Director of Seminarians for acceptance or denial of the candidate for further progression of the application process.

A comprehensive interview will then be set up with the applicant and the following will be needed:

a. The candidate's application forms

b. Letter of recommendation from the candidate's home pastor

c. Letters of recommendation as requested in application

d. A psychological evaluation

e. A police background check

f. A written and concise autobiography

g. A physical examination

h. Transcripts of grades from applicable institutions

Once all of the materials and evaluations have been gathered, the Director of Seminarians will then determine if the process should continue.  If affirmative the candidate will then meet with the Diocesan Formation board for further input as to his readiness. Upon acceptance, the Bishop and the Director of Seminarians will decide which seminary the candidate will attend. Acceptance into the Diocese requires that a candidate demonstrate emotional maturity, academic ability, personal and psychological stability and consistent growth in the practice of the faith.  The process of application encourages the candidate to realize that his vocation does not simply enjoy a personal dimension but rather flows from the Church and toward a ministry within the Church.  In this regard, no one has a "Right" to ordination but rather is called by God and by the Church.

Contact the following for more information:
Fr. John Linden
Director of Seminarians
Diocese of Lansing
228 North Walnut Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517-342-2507