1. What does a seminarian study?
There are four main areas of study and development in preparing for the priesthood: human, spiritual, the ability to minister (to serve and work with people) and academics. Spirituality, the study of prayer and the development of one's relationship with God, is covered mostly on an individual basis, with each man meeting with a priest-advisor. Ability to minister is developed in supervised programs. If a man goes to a college seminary, he has the same classes as a regular liberal arts college with the addition of classes on Church and God. After college, he enters theology, where his time is spent studying the Scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and the skills he will need to be a priest.

2. How old must one be to enter the seminary?
There is no certain age to start preparing for the priesthood. Some people go to high school seminaries, others enter seminary after high school, after college, or after working for a number of years. Church law requires that a man be at least 26 years of age to be ordained a priest. In the Diocese of Dallas there currently is no age limit on when a man can be accepted to the seminary. However, careful consideration regarding health, finances, and future years of priestly service must be taken into account prior to the acceptance of an applicant.

3. What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious priest?
A diocesan priest ordinarily serves the Church within a rather well defined area (a diocese). He ordinarily serves the people as a parish priest, but he may also be involved in many other forms of ministry: teaching, Chaplain in hospitals, prisons, campus ministry, etc. A religious priest, on the other hand, is a member of a community which goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese.

4. Is seminary life hard?
Seminary life is not any harder than college or graduate work at another university. Seminarians have the added responsibilities of developing as men of prayer, and as a bearer of the Good News. Friendships are encouraged with both men and women, but dating is not part of the seminarian's life since he is preparing for celibacy, not marriage. They have the responsibility like any student, to fulfill the responsibilities that are part of their preparation for the life they've chosen.

A priest's distinctive role is as minister of the sacraments: celebrating Eucharist, Baptism, Penance. He does a variety of other works as well, but sacramental life is central to his life.

5. Are you taught to write homilies?
Seminarians are required to take courses on writing and giving homilies. Once a seminarian is ordained a deacon (about one year before ordination to priesthood), he will preach periodically at Mass in the Seminary and in parishes. During this deacon year, he will receive constructive feedback on his homilies from the people at Mass and the priest with whom he serves.

6. Do you have to be an "A" student in the seminary?
A seminarian should be an average or above average student. A priest need not be a "brain," but on the other hand a priest must have the ability to pass the courses the seminary requires in order to serve the Catholic community well.

7. Where do candidates complete their education?
Most students complete their undergraduate work at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas and earn their degree from The University of Dallas, Irving. A Pre-Theology program is offered to individuals who have an academic degree but need to complete undergraduate requirements in Philosophy and Theology. After College Seminary most students will attend Theologate Seminary at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas and earn a M.Div. from The University of St. Thomas, Houston. Older candidates (over age 50) usually attend Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, Wisconsin.

8. What vows do diocesan priests make?
Diocesan priests make no vows. For ordination, they freely make promises of celibacy and obedience to their Bishop.

9. Do you ever get lonely?
As in any way of life, there are times of loneliness for priests but there is a fraternal bond between other seminarian brothers that brings solidarity & friendship amongst each other.

10. In entering HTS, am I making a commitment to the priesthood?
No, upon entering Holy Trinity Seminary, you are making a commitment to whole heartedly discern and determine if the priesthood is the true vocation to which you are called.