Qualities of a Potential Priest

Spiritual

  1. Is committed to and passionate about the Catholic faith.
  2. Cultivates a strong sense of the sacred – the place of Christ in his life
  3. Has an eye and a love for the Word of God and seeks to live out the Gospel in daily life
  4. Participates in the celebration of the Eucharist – actively and regularly
  5. Has a growing commitment to personal private prayer
  6. Understands Baptism as the first vocation of the faithful

Ministry

  1. Is developing an openness to what’s new, what’s different, what lies out of the comfort zone - even while being grounded in the familiar, in the routine, in what conserves
  2. Has an eagerness for the prophetic, a sympathy for the marginalized, a challenging voice for the excluded, and a hunger for social justice
  3. Recognizes the importance of authority and institution – helps nurture the sacred within family, Church and tradition.
  4. Is focused on the Kingdom of God – stretching from this life to the next

Academic

  1. Has completed secondary school or the equivalent of Senior
  2. Is intelligent and exhibits an eagerness to learn

Personal

  1. Maintains a strong sense of individuality, demonstrates a generosity of spirit and private integrity – balanced with a commitment to community, family, and Church.
  2. Enjoys a healthy capacity to live and value life – with an equally happy capacity for asceticism, selflessness, and discipline
  3. Has a deep appreciation of sexuality and is able to defend its goodness – coupled with an equally strong defence of purity and chastity
  4. Is conscious of the world community – considering other nationalities and cultures
  5. Lives a responsible and independent life – with an unabashed love for this world, for its joys and sorrows

Information taken from www.catholicpriesthood.com.au