Frequently Asked Questions about Missionary Priesthood
- What are some of the requirements for becoming a Scarboro missionary priest?
- What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a Scarboro Missions priest?
- When does one go overseas to live and work?
- What are some types of work that Scarboro priests do overseas?
- What about finances and costs?
- How long does it take to become a Scarboro missionary priest?
- Do missioners have holidays?
- What are some qualities one should have to become a missionary priest?
- Where will priest candidates live and study while in seminary formation?
- How does one apply?
Frequently Asked Questions about Missionary Priesthood
- What are some of the requirements for becoming a Scarboro missionary priest?
A strong commitment to the Gospel, a love for Jesus Christ, good health mentally and physically, single male 18-35, active Catholic, capable of completing a college/university education, a desire to live and find God among the peoples of other cultures, successful completion of the screening process. - What is the difference between a diocesan priest and a Scarboro Mission priest?
All priests are missionary. Diocesan priests are sent to mission in their home diocese. Scarboro missioners are sent out to face the unknown in service of the Gospel overseas, among other cultures and peoples. Both groups are committed to living the evangelical imperatives of celibate chastity, obedience, and poverty / simplicity of lifestyle. Each is called by his vocation to uniquely reflect in mission the person, attitude and presence of Christ. A diocesan priest serves in union with his local bishop. A Scarboro priest is directed by the Society's Superior General and Council. Scarboro Missions is not a religious community, rather we are known as a Society of Apostolic Life, under Rome. Simplicity of lifestyle, love for the people to whom we go, trust in the God's providence and being ourselves evangelized in mission are a special part of who we are. - When does one go overseas to live and work?
Priest candidates are sent overseas after the second year of theology to work for a year or two with a Scarboro missionary as mentor. Some initial time may be devoted to learning a new language and cultural adaptation. After ordination, new Scarboro priests are then assigned to a mission placement overseas. - What are some types of work that Scarboro priests do overseas?
We witness to Jesus Christ by teaching and serving the Gospel where it has yet to be heard: the formation of new Christian communities, pastoral ministry, promoting the growth of the local Church, responding to issues of justice, social concern, development of Christian leaders, evoking the gifts of the peoples for the good of their communities and beyond. - What about finances and costs?
Candidates are expected to pay for the cost of room and board, books and personal expenses. However individuals should not consider financial restraints a hindrance when applying. Scarboro does assist with student scholarships whenever needed. Upon completion of one's studies and ordination, Scarboro Missions will take over remaining loans. - How long does it take to become a Scarboro missionary priest?
Along with a university/college degree, a priest candidate must have eight philosophy credits, followed by four years of theology studies. After two years of theology, candidates go for at least a year of overseas mission experience. Total time to reach ordination, from theology onward is approximately five to six years. - Do missioners have holidays?
We certainly do! Our missioners have a month for holidays each year and are encouraged to take them. For mission personnel overseas, once very two years they may come to Canada for two months of holidays. Holidays and times are adjusted to suit the place of mission, such as for those working and teaching in China. - What are some qualities one should have to become a missionary priest?
..the desire to make a difference in the world, a strong faith commitment to the Gospel, a joyful spirit and love for the Church, openness to other peoples, can live simply, work with others, enjoys a sense of humour, a spirit of humility, sees doing this for a lifetime. - Where will priest candidates live and study while in seminary formation?
During the academic year, a priest candidate for Scarboro lives in residence at St. Augustine's Seminary in Scarborough, Ontario. Studies are taken downtown at the Toronto School of Theology. Spiritual and community formation takes place at the seminary, along with regular contact and visiting with our community at Scarboro Missions, located nearby. - How does one apply?
You can start the application process online or you can e-mail the Vocation Director, Fr. Michael Traher, at mtraher@scarboromissions.ca
Will you respond whole heartedly to the call of the Spirit and the Church?
Perhaps you can! If you think it may be as a Scarboro Missioner, answer Christ's call and contact us. We welcome those who feel called as lay missioners and priests. We invite you to walk with us...it may change your life!
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