The essential rite of the sacrament, i.e., when it takes place, is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration. This is an ancient tradition in the Church, mentioned in the Bible.

Only a bishop can ordain a priest because he shares in the ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.

By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.

It symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.

These are vestments which pertain to his office and have symbolic meaning. The stole symbolizes the authority and responsibility to serve in imitation of Christ. It reflects the line from Scripture: “For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:30). The chasuble is the principal garment of the priest celebrating the Eucharist and is the outermost vestment.

Anointing with oil stems from the Old Testament and indicates that someone or something is being set apart for a sacred task or duty. The anointing of the hands signifies that the hands of the newly ordained priest are being prepared for the sacred duties and vessels which will be part of the priestly ministry, for example, offering the bread and the wine, anointing the sick and blessing people. The bishop says as he anoints the hands: “The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and to offer sacrifice to God.”

The Eucharist is at the heart of the priesthood and this ritual highlights the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of the priest and its meaning, as seen in the words which are spoken by the bishop: “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation which lasts from five to thirteen years, depending upon his background and the seminary he attends. There are three levels of seminary: high school; college or pre-theology; and theology.

Seminaries address four types of formation: human; spiritual; academic (intellectual); and pastoral. In addition to the academic course work, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities, e.g., daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. At each level of seminary training, the seminarian prepares for future pastoral ministry in various settings, such as schools, religious education programs, hospitals and parishes. All of the formation takes into consideration the human person; human growth and development is fostered by community living, workshops and other programs. The formation of future priests includes practical learning, too, for example, preaching, saying Mass, and pastoral counseling.

Priests who belong to a religious order (e.g., Benedictine, Dominicans, Franciscans, etc.) take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Diocesan priests make two promises, celibacy and obedience; these promises are part of the ordination ceremony. It is also expected that diocesan priests will lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.

A Catholic nun is a woman who lives a contemplative life in a monastery which is usually cloistered (or enclosed) or semi-cloistered. Her ministry and prayer life are centered within and around the monastery for the good of the world. She professes perpetual solemn vows, living a life according to the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.

A Catholic sister is a woman who lives, ministers, and prays within the world. A sister’s life is often called “active” or “apostolic” because she is engaged in works of mercy and other ministries that take the Gospel to others where they are. She professes perpetual simple vows, living a life according to evangelical counsels of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.

Because both nuns and sisters belong to the Church life form of Religious Life, they can also be called “women religious.”

Many communities today, but not all, recommend a college education before entering. The vocation director of a specific community can explain the expectations of that particular community. The experience of attending college often teaches invaluable lessons and helps one come to know oneself better. These years can be a very important part of the discernment process. A college education also helps to prepare oneself for future ministry.

According to Church law, an individual must be free of debt by the time she is received as a novice. Individual communities deal with the issue of debt/loans differently. Some communities require that a debt is paid off prior to entrance. Some communities allow the woman to continue employment during her time of candidacy and postulancy and put her earnings toward paying off the debt. Some communities make an arrangement with the individual to assume the debt still owed if she is ready to enter the novitiate. A vocation director can explain in more detail what a particular community’s practice involves.

The most important aspect of discernment is growing in your relationship with Jesus. Nothing takes the place of coming to know and love Him by spending time in prayer. Participating in Mass and receiving the sacraments draw us closer to Him and help us grow in our desire to live His will. Many individuals find having a spiritual director during their time of discernment helpful.

Discernment is rooted in opening one’s heart to know the dream God has for you. Because God’s dream is specific to each individual, it is important that you know yourself well. Spend time coming to know your gifts and talents, your dreams and desires. God wants what will help you be your best self, what will make you truly happy.

Each vocation in the Church is a beautiful and meaningful way of witnessing to God’s love in the world. It is important to know about each vocation. Talking to individuals who live each lifestyle can be very helpful in learning the blessings and challenges that a particular way of life holds. Reading and research can also expose you to various aspects of these lifestyles. Becoming familiar with the lives of the Saints can be another way to explore ways of following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Just as one learns a specific skill (music, art, sport) by practice and going to the experts in that field, it is helpful to spend time with those who actually live religious life. This can be shorter visits or live-in experiences during which you can experience more fully the charism and spirit and find if it matches the spirit living within you. Through your entire time of discernment, continue to ask God in prayer to give you a generous and listening heart, eager to do His will.

It is a good idea to contact a vocation director who can accompany you on the way and answer any questions you may have. She can make suggestions and help you sort out feelings and questions. She may also be able to connect you with others who are discerning a call to religious life so that you may learn from one another.

Spend as much time in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Develop a regular  spiritual life that includes Mass as often as you are able, spiritual reading, and the rosary.  Ask God to show you His will in your life.  And find a holy person to talk to like your pastor or a religious. 

Pray. Especially pray before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration.  Ask God to show you His will for you.  Be open to the Holy Spirits promptings and be willing to follow those promptings.  Talk to your pastor or spiritual director about your vocation. Take advantage of the Sacraments especially of reconciliation.   The virtues and talents that would make you a good religious would also make you a good spouse.  The question is who does God want you to be a spouse of. It is also helpful to visit a convent even if you are not 100% sure if your vocation.  The visit will help you see what religious life is like.