how do I get ordained to the roman catholic priesthood without undergoing seminary formation?is that possible?
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The formation period for the priesthood is I believe a minimum of five to seven years.  Only part of it is academic.  If you need to find an easy way to do things, the priesthood is not for you.  You will need to understand the bible inside an out and be able to explain it to others, you will need to be able to do all the non-instructional work priests do as well such as caring for the ill, the broken and to call sinners to repent and be saved.  Only bishops can ordain.  Some of the more rigorous programs require that you read the scriptures in their original languages.  You will of course already have to have a bachelor's degree first and you will probably be required to have a second master's degree.  A prior priest I had was both a metalurgist and a sociologiest in addition to his theology degree.  I believe some programs permit people with a bachelor's degree to be ordained, but I don't think so.\n\nBesides, a secular university's theology program won't help, theology is applied and most academic programs are not divinity programs but generic religious studies programs.  That will not help you on a job that pays as little as the priesthood pays.  It is well below minimum wage.  You are going to need skills to survive that.
520613
Catholic priests are married, in a sense. When a man receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders, he becomes a priest; thus devoting his life "married" to the church. Bear in mind that men seek vocations in the priesthood fully aware of the fact they cannot marry or have sex. It's not like these things were kept secret until after they are ordained.\n\nAnother thing, marriage and celibacy don't really go together. Wouldn't you say? Although celibacy is not Church Dogma, it is considered a "discipline", well founded in the Scriptures:\n\nMatt. 19:11-12 - Jesus says celibacy is a gift from God and whoever can bear it should bear it. Jesus praises and recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church. Because celibacy is a gift from God, those who criticize the Church's practice of celibacy are criticizing God and this wonderful gift He bestows on His chosen ones.\n\nMatt. 19:29 - Jesus says that whoever gives up children for the sake of His name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. Jesus praises celibacy when it is done for the sake of His kingdom. \n\nMatt. 22:30 - Jesus explains that in heaven there are no marriages. To bring about Jesus' kingdom on earth, priests live the heavenly consecration to God by not taking a wife in marriage. This way, priests are able to focus exclusively on the spiritual family, and not have any additional pressures of the biological family (which is for the vocation of marriage). This also makes it easier for priests to be transferred to different parishes where they are most needed without having to worry about the impact of their transfer on wife and children. \n\n1 Cor 7:1 – Paul teaches that it is well for a man not to touch a woman. This is the choice that the Catholic priests of the Roman rite freely make. \n\n1 Cor. 7:7 - Paul also acknowledges that celibacy is a gift from God and wishes that all were celibate like he is. \n\n1 Cor. 7:27 – Paul teaches men that they should not seek marriage. In Paul’s opinion, marriage introduces worldly temptations that can interfere with one’s relationship with God, specifically regarding those who will become full-time ministers in the Church. \n\n1 Cor. 7:32-33, 38 - Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church so that they are able to focus entirely upon God and building up His kingdom. He “who refrains from marriage will do better.” \n\n1 Tim. 3:2 - Paul instructs that bishops must be married only once. Many Protestants use this verse to prove that the Church's celibacy law is in error. But they are mistaken because this verse refers to bishops that were widowers. Paul is instructing that these widowers could not remarry. The verse also refers to those bishops who were currently married. They also could not remarry (in the Catholic Church's Eastern rite, priests are allowed to marry; celibacy is only a disciplinary rule for the clergy of the Roman rite). Therefore, this text has nothing to do with imposing a marriage requirement on becoming a bishop. \n\n1 Tim. 4:3 - in this verse, Paul refers to deceitful doctrines that forbid marriage. Many non-Catholics also use this verse to impugn the Church's practice of celibacy. This is entirely misguided because the Catholic Church (unlike many Protestant churches) exalts marriage to a sacrament. In fact, marriage is elevated to a sacrament, but consecrated virginity is not. The Church declares marriage sacred, covenantal and lifegiving. Paul is referring to doctrines that forbid marriage and other goods when done outside the teaching of Christ and for a lessor good. Celibacy is an act of giving up one good (marriage and children) for a greater good (complete spiritual union with God). \n\n1 Tim. 5:9-12 - Paul recommends that older widows take a pledge of celibacy. This was the beginning of women religious orders. \n\n2 Tim. 2:3-4 - Paul instructs his bishop Timothy that no soldier on service gets en
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Assuming that you are an adult, go to your local Catholic parish and tell them that you are interested in joining the Church. They will enroll you in an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class which usually starts in late November (beginning of Advent) and culminates in a baptism (Easter Vigil). At your baptism, you will also receive Confirmation and Holy Communion. Once all that happens, you are a part of the Church. However, as you will find, developing your faith is an ongoing process with its ups and downs. In the end, I hope you'll find that it pays off.\n\nIf for some reason, you don't like your parish, go to another parish. Find one that you like. Don't give up on Catholicism just because the pastor at the closest parish doesn't foster your spiritual needs. As the saying goes, don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
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With the shortage of priests increasing, you can do just about anything 'non-priestly' including being a parish administrator.\n\nContact the career center at you college for more options.\n\nWith love in Christ.
509044
While many Christian denominations have a form of "communion", ONLY the Catholic and Orthodox Churches  believe the bread and wine really "substantiate" into His Body and Blood, taking the Bible literally there.  \n(This is from the Last Supper, AND the story of the loaves and fishes in John.)\n\nOnly a Catholic without mortal sin should receive Catholic Communion, but others are welcome to receive a blessing instead (indicate by crossing their arms across their chest).\n\nTo become Catholic requires taking a "RCIA" class at the Church that generally lasts about 8-9 months, agreeing to Catholic beliefs, and if married, the marriage must be blessed by the Church (any prior marriage annulled).
142979
If you are a seperate ministry (ie not linked to any other religious org) you may simply record the person as ordained in your church records thus making them legally ordained.  As for the rite, that varies.
775040
My mother's boss's husband (that's a mouthful) who's also an old family friend just got ordained online so that he could perform his son's wedding ceremony. It's completely legit as long as you check out the site. Apparently there are some scammy type ways to be ordained online but there are some legitimate ones. I'm actually thinking about him doing my own wedding since we don't attend a specific church and have no minister of our own.
435126
You can ordained in numerous ways. To be legal you would have to obtain a license in your state to act as a minister.\nTo get a license you would need a certificate and letter of ordination. These would need to be signed with 2 signatures from the ordaining church.\nMy organization Elohim Evangelical Ministries ordains people and I ordain about 10 people a year.
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: \n\nThe Lord Jesus chose men to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry. \n\nThe Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.\n\nWith love in Christ.
1160013
This is a matter for each denomination to decide. Most require a degree in Divinity, but many will just give a written and oral exam.\nAnyone can begin their own church, at  least in USA. There are no education requirements for that.
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By all means, come to mass with us.  We would be happy to have you.\n\nThe structure of the mass took a little getting use to for me, but it was easy once I understood what was going on and why.\n\nAs a non-Catholic, you will not be required to do all the standing, knealing that is done, you are more than welcome to sit (please stand with the reading of the Gospel, if for nothing else than out of respect for the Word).\n\nOthers are correct that you shouldn't take the communion and the songs/responses will be announced or posted somewhere.\n\nI prefer the Latin mass, and if you have the opportunity to attend one, I would encourage it.  It is, of course, in Latin but there will be notes or missals with the English translation.\n\nIf you are interested in learning more, I would suggest visiting EWTN's web site at http://www.ewtn.com and under FAITH they have a Q&A and a Teaching section, both are very well written and easy to understand.  Also, if you have cable tv, look for the EWTN channel.  Everything there will help you understand what it means to be Catholic.\n\nCall the local parish office and ask to speak with the Director of Adult Formation or about RCIA (Rite Christian Initiation for Adults).  The secretary will point you in the right direction.\n\nAlternately, you can contact me through my profile, I will be happy to answer any question you may have.  I am a recent (1 year ago) convert to the Catholic Church.
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I think it is possible, but really difficult.\n\nPaul told Christians not to marry if they could avoid it, but I think it was mostly because of the coming persecution.\n\nI don't see any Biblical basis for having a celibate priesthood.  Peter was married.  Jesus healed his wife's mother.  Matthew 8:14
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I was raised Catholic my whole entire life until 11 years ago after my mother suddenly passed away.  I wanted to get my life in order so I met with the Catholic priest and as soon as I told him that I had 2 step children he stopped me.  I'm not married to a Catholic and didn't get married in the church and he said that I couldn't take communion and that my husband had to get an anullment.  Really broke my heart.  They keep these priests that molest little boys and just move them to another church.!  That's okay?  But me not being married to Catholic isn't okay?!  Sad huh?  So to answer your question, no!
567276
Yes, most Catholic deacons currently being ordained are married men who will never become priests.\n\nWith love in Christ.
886137
You can ask one of your friends to get ordained by the state. You'd have to check  with your state to see how much the fee is. You could make it special by having a close relative or family friend do it and offer to pay the fee.
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If you are interested in joining or just learning more about the Catholic Church, contact your local parish and ask about information about their RCIA Inquiry group. \n\nYou can go and ask any questions you want. \n\nThis is the first step in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) but you can stop at any time.\n\nThere is no obligation to become a Catholic.\n\nWith love and prayers in Christ.
52058
Hi ! No there is no requirement to tie yourself to any church in particular to become a Christian. you have only to commit yourself to a relationship even if it's one on one with God and Christ as a statement of your belief. Truthfully no one has any more connection to God than you do right now if you are in search of Him. That is what He wants from us and affiliation with any organized church only broadens your personal contacts in this world regarding Him and your own relationship with Him. Just as in the rest of the world, you can be influenced by those around you and you must make choices regarding how you respond to those influences. Some influences are bad, and it is up to each of us to overcome the temptation to give in to bad influences. Now the only true answer to the conflict is communication with God, and a strong personal relationship with Him. And then you can learn how to hear what He says to your heart in your conversations with Him.  That said, try some churches out for your own opinion of them and find one in which you don't feel the phony-baloney going on, and then pray that God will speak to your heart to tell you where you should go. The benefit of a good church is only in fellowship and some experienced guidance to those things which you may not learn on your own.