How long does it take to become a Diocesan Priest?
Generally it takes five to seven years after college or nine years after high school. If an individual already has a college degree, he will still need to acquire 24 hours of undergraduate philosophy and 18 hours of undergraduate theology prior to entering the Theologate (Graduate) Seminary. It usually takes two years to obtain these undergraduate course hours. Once in the Theologate Seminary, the process (in Texas) takes five years (four academic years and one Pastoral, or Internship, year). If an individual does not possess a college degree, he will need to attend the Collegiate Seminary and obtain an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. This usually takes four years to obtain. Afterward, he will enter the Theologate Seminary for five years.
