Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Sept. 29, 2005 edition of the Inland Register)

(Editor's note: Father Darrin Connall is the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Spokane and the Rector of Bishop White Seminary at Gonzaga University. In preparation for this edition of the Inland Register, Father Connall offered answers to some of the most common questions about vocations to the priesthood.

Q. How many seminarians are studying for the Diocese of Spokane this year?

We currently have 21 young men studying for the priesthood at various levels of formation, ranging from the first year in college to the fourth year of theological study. This is the largest number of seminarians we have had studying for the diocese in my six years serving as Vocation Director.

Q. How many ordinations will there be in the near future?

Our hope is that 10 seminarians will be ordained to the priesthood over the next two years. During that time, we will have one senior priests who will be eligible for retirement. This means that we may well have a net gain of nine new priests ready for active service – an extraordinary blessing from God.

Q. Are other dioceses experiencing growth in their numbers?

In the State of Washington, the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Diocese of Yakima both report good growth. The Diocese of Yakima has 15 men in formation this year; the Archdiocese of Seattle has an extraordinary 40 seminarians. These are impressive numbers for a state like ours, that is largely unchurched. These are hopeful signs that the downward trend in priestly vocations is coming to an end in our area of the country.

Q. What about the quality of our seminarians? Isn’t that more important than numbers?

I agree that our primary focus should be on quality candidates for priesthood. In fact, that is of paramount importance. The choice, however, should not have to be between high numbers or high quality. I believe we can have both: a high number of quality candidates for the priesthood. I firmly believe that God continues to call good, quality men in adequate numbers to serve the Church in the priesthood.

It is important to remember that seminary formation today places a great deal of emphasis on human formation. A man cannot be an effective and happy priest without first becoming a mature and healthy human being. Healthy and holy seminarians attract other, similar candidates.

Q. How long does it take to become a priest?

It really depends on a man’s age, background, and level of education. For someone with a college degree, it could take four or five years. For a young man right out of high school, he would be looking at taking advantage of roughly eight years of seminary education and formation.

Q. Where does a candidate go to the seminary?

All college-age seminarians studying for the Diocese of Spokane begin their formation at Bishop White Seminary in Spokane. Students take classes and earn their degree at Gonzaga while living at Bishop White. While living in the seminary they have a priest spiritual director and a priest formation advisor who meet regularly with them to help them discern their vocation, chart their progress, and assist them to grow into healthy and mature young men.

After successful completion of the formation program at Bishop White, seminarians then go on to major seminary for their final four years of preparation for the priesthood. Currently, we have seminarians studying at the American College, Louvain, Belgium; North American College, Rome; Theological College, Washington, D.C.; and Mount Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Ore., in the Archdiocese of Portland.

Q. What if a seminarian decides to leave the seminary?

The reality is that some men discern that God is not calling them to be a priest. If a seminarian has come to this conclusion after serious reflection, prayer, and dialogue with his advisors, he can leave and need not be embarrassed about that decision in any way. In fact, I believe he leaves the seminary a better man and a more mature Christian for having had the experience of a priestly formation.

Q. How have the abuse scandal and bankruptcy affected our seminarians?

There is no question that the abuse scandal and situation of bankruptcy in our diocese have had a negative impact on our seminarians. At various times I believe our men feel embarrassed, discouraged, and anxious about the future. I must say that I am amazed at the resilience of our seminarians, however. They understand that it will be their task to help restore trust and bring about healing by humbly serving God’s people with integrity, fidelity and love. They seem to accept this challenge with a zeal that flows from their love of Christ and the Church.

Q. How do I know if God is calling me to the priesthood?

It seems to me that God’s call most often comes in the midst of community. Talk with other people – a trusted friend, your parish priest, or a close member of your family.

Second, watch for signs from God. Look at the gifts God has given to you. Listen to his voice speaking through other people. Search the depths of your heart for your deepest desires in life. I firmly believe God will give you the signs you need.

God usually calls us in very subtle ways. Your role is to watch closely, open your heart, and listen carefully for his gentle and loving invitation.

Q. If I think God might be calling me to be a priest, what should I do?

I would suggest two things.

First, continue to attend to your soul. Really try to talk with God in prayer everyday. Stay close to the sacramental life of the Church, particularly regular reception of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Second, I would invite you to talk with a priest. Start with your parish priest. Please make an appointment to speak with me as well. It is an important part of my ministry to help you and support you as you seek God’s will for your life. I can be reached by e-mail at bws@gonzaga.edu or by phone at 509-326-3255.

If you have been looking for a sign, maybe this is it.