Missionaries of the Holy Family - North American Province

The Priesthood

The Priesthood in the MSF community is very fulfilling because of the dual family atmosphere. Not only is every MSF member a part of the MSF Religious Family Community, but many priests also experience the parish family life as a pastor or associate pastor. The Priesthood imparts God’s Grace primarily through His Sacraments to help people draw closer to God. By ministering to God’s flock with Baptism, Confession, Communion, Confirmation, Marriage and the Anointing of the Sick priests help to bring God’s Grace into people’s lives that helps to draw them closer to God. Each priest brings their own set of charisms to their ministry, but there are some basic qualifications for the role.

Applicant Pre-requisites:

18 years of age

Good Physical and Emotional Health

High School Graduate or have a GED

Applicants are reviewed based on their written application and on a personal interview.
There is no set duration for the priesthood formation process, but 8 years is typical.

The steps in the process are:

Duration yrs.	1 – 2	1	3 - 9	½ - 1
Candidate	Pre- Novitiate	Novitiate	Post Novitiate	Diaconate	Priesthood
Application & Evaluation	Basic Course Work and Orientation	Living & Learning about the Religious life. Learning History of Order. Work in Parish /other	Under Graduate, Graduate Studies, Acolyte Ministry, Reader Ministry.	Internship-Assigned to Parish Service	Assigned to Ministry.
		First Vows	Perpetual Vows Diaconate Ordination	Priesthood Ordination	Ongoing Education

(Return to previous page)