Qualifications of becoming Priests

Becoming a Catholic priest (what the church calls "priestly formation") is a lengthy process
that requires a sense of a divine call, deep reflection, prayer and rigorous education. It also
emphasizes what the church calls the four pillars of priestly formation: personal, spiritual,
intellectual and pastoral development.

 1Understand the Catholic Church teaching that all people have a vocation, a
divine call to a particular purpose. A select few men may have a divine call to the
priesthood. Those who feel that call must begin the process with prayer and
introspection. They also should talk with their parish priest and their diocese's
director of vocations, who will help them further explore the process and help
them determine if the priesthood is their calling.
 2
Begin the education process. Candidates for the priesthood should finish
high school, then complete a bachelor's degree program in an accredited
university. The church does not prescribe a particular degree or major, but
strongly recommends a broad liberal arts education that includes a study of
philosophy and, if possible, undergraduate courses in theology. Philosophical
study is good preparation for graduate study in theology at a Catholic seminary.
 3
Enter a theological seminary. The seminary should foster future priests by
focusing on the pillars of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and
pastoral. Human formation strives to prepare men for the life required of the
Catholic priesthood, including a life of celibacy. Spiritual formation emphasizes
preparing men to life in complete union with God. This includes a life devoted to
prayer and spiritual direction. Intellectual formation focuses on gaining a deeper
knowledge of the mysteries of faith and the teachings of the church. Pastoral
formation is about preparing men to be what the church calls "shepherds of
souls," following the example of Jesus.
 4
Learn the principle of gradualism. In preparation for the priesthood, the church
values the principle of gradualism, meaning that as a man advances through the
process of entering the priesthood, he is expected to exhibit more of the values
and qualities that the church requires. Prayerful consideration of a calling is not
something that ends when a man begins his education for the priesthood; it is
ongoing throughout the process.
 5
Consider ordination as a deacon. Following college and seminary preparation,
seminarians may be ordained as deacons. A man who has served as a deacon for
at least six months, is at least 25 years old, and has completed six years of
philosophical and theological study can petition his bishop for ordination as a
priest. The final decision for ordaining a seminarian as a deacon or priest rests
with the bishop of a diocese.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4840871_become-roman-catholic-priest.html