When I left school I went straight to work and didn’t go to college. I’m nearly 40 now and feel called to the priesthood. Can an older man still study for the priesthood?

Most popular questions

• I do not consider myself to be exceptionally holy, I try to pray every day and follow the commandments. I have always been very interested in the priesthood but I have never felt a burning passion for it. Could I still be called to the priesthood?
• I see on vocations websites that I should contact their vocations director. What is a vocations director?
• Why do we have priests? Can’t lay people do the work of priests?
• Do I have to be very holy to become a priest?
• What if as a priest I need to take time out to care for a relative or family member?
• I’d like to join a religious community but I like living in Ireland. Can I be sent anywhere or do I have a say in the matter?
• If I become a priest, will I be living with mostly elderly men?
• I read stories of religious communities merging or closing down. Are religious organisations dying out?
• As a priest if I decide that I no longer want to do something, such as work in a specific parish, do I have any say or is it all out of my hands?
• Is there a vocations test I can take to see if I have a vocation to the priesthood?