Path to Priesthood

Formation Terminology:

  • Aspirancy: “At home” pre-seminary introduction to Legionary life, charism and mission, to decide and prepare for possible entrance into the Legion.

  • Candidacy: 2-3 month immersion experience at the Legion’s seminary in Cheshire, CT. Here, the core values of the charism of the Legionaries of Christ; spirituality, community, and mission, are lived out on a daily basis, leading to a deeper discernment of a call to the Legionary priesthood.

  • Novitiate: First two years; the Legion’s Seminary in Cheshire, CT 

  • Humanities: 1 – 2 years of classical humanities studies, contributing to an associates’ degree in liberal arts

  • Philosophy: 3 years – Bachelors degree in philosophy in Rome – develop a deep and clear understanding of the human person, who and what we are and why we do what we do.

  • Internship: 3 years of internship – Directly contributing to the apostolic life of the Legionaries of Christ – Working together with many members of the RC movement in active apostolate. Creating strong spiritual family and forming apostles who transform culture.

  • Theology: 3 years of Theology – Formal studies for the priesthood. Prepare doctrinally for the priestly ministry, where we study the mind and the heart of the church for the ministerial priesthood.

  • Diaconate: Six months – one year – Diaconate – transitional deacon, first ordination. Ordained as a deacon to serve. Reengage in active life of the apostolate until priestly ordination, where we follow fully in forming apostles and leading them to Christ.

  • Priestly Ordination