Training to be a Deacon and to be a Priest

ChristinFilms88 · #1 Jan 10, '12, 7:06 pm

I have a question: I'm writing a film right now, and a lot of the main characters work in the church. I was wondering: what kind of training is needed to become a deacon (or any kind of "clergyman") vs. becoming a priest?

Also, how does one become selected to be a priest at a particular church? Say the priest at a particular church dies...how is a new priest selected? Is there paperwork and certificates involved from a seminary school? Is the pope involved or a bishop etc.? Any info you can give me would be much appreciated!

**1ke** · #2 Jan 10, '12, 7:21 pm

I suggest you purchase a book such as Catholicism for Dummies and read it followed by employing the services of a consultant who knows the subject matter OR drop the idea of writing about a subject you are completely unfamiliar with.

I find it unrealistic of you to think you can sufficiently tackle such topics in a random fashion, and that you should expect people to do your work for you.

ChristinFilms88 · #3 Jan 10, '12, 7:28 pm

Oh on the contrary: I'm actually quite familiar with Catholic imagery, traditions, regulations, beliefs, etc. My family all comes from a Catholic background. I just don't happen to know anyone in the actual clergy itself. That's why I'm doing my research right now to ensure I have it 100% correct, and appreciate hearing from people who are educated in the subject. That's why I came here, because I figured I could find people who are educated in the material and who could provide excellent, friendly advice. And with the exception of one person, everyone's been very friendly so far, so I'm glad I found this board!

Theophorus · #4 Jan 10, '12, 8:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinFilms88

I have a question: I'm writing a film right now, and a lot of the main characters work in the church. I was wondering: what kind of training is needed to become a deacon (or any kind of "clergyman") vs. becoming a priest?

Also, how does one become selected to be a priest at a particular church? Say the priest at a particular church dies...how is a new priest selected? Is there paperwork and certificates involved from a seminary school? Is the pope involved or a bishop etc.? Any info you can give me would be much appreciated!

It might be handy to have a paper-based reference source as well, such as Catholicism for dummies, in order to be sure of what certain details, rituals, and symbols mean as there can also be confusion among Catholics about these things at times.

A Catholic priest generally trains for 7 years, 2 years of philosophy, the remaining 5 on Theology, Scripture, Liturgy, canon law and possibly some other specialist area within the life of the Church. the seminary education is exactly that, education, it helps prepare a man for ordination.

The priest is then ordained for a local Church (the technical name for a diocese) and once this occurs He is bound(incardinated) to this particular diocese, usually for life. The choice of where a priest ministers is made by his bishop in consultation with his priest, the priest is sent where he is needed. at this point he doesn't need to present certificates of education etc. as the bishop knows all this stuff already.

Deo Gratias42 · #5 Jan 10, '12, 8:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinFilms88

Oh on the contrary: I'm actually quite familiar with Catholic imagery, traditions, regulations, beliefs, etc. My family all comes from a Catholic background. I just don't happen to know anyone in the actual clergy itself. That's why I'm doing my research right now to ensure I have it 100% correct, and appreciate hearing from people who are educated in the subject. That's why I came here, because I figured I could find people who are educated in the material and who could provide excellent, friendly advice. And with the exception of one person, everyone's been very friendly so far, so I'm glad I found this board!

Why not just call up a priest and see if you can do an interview with him?

PrayForMeStJude · #6 Jan 10, '12, 9:42 pm

Alright, here I am on your third post. Again, see my other posts for more info.

I know you say you are familiar with Catholicism but some of your questions are about very basic things, so some of us here are probably wondering how you would present more complex aspects of our faith in your film. That being said, it is good that you are here doing your research.

At this point, you should contact a priest or deacon for you questions. You say you are fimiliar with Catholicism, but don't know any priests? Maybe its time you reached out to one.

Remember, priests and deacons aren't selected for a particular parish, they are trained and employed for a diocese. The bishop, the head of the diocese, chooses the priests and deacons for each of his parishes, chooses who to admit to priestly training and where to send them to seminary. The bishop is in charge!

Again, thanks for doing your research, but please make sure you have all your info straight before you put together a film. Feel free to send me a private message with some more info about your film and maybe I can provide some background info that will give your film a greater accuracy and sense of realism.