Steps to the Priesthood
Daily Schedule at the Seminary
(for priests, seminarians, and brothers)
| 5:30 | Rise |
| 6:00 | Angelus, Prime, Meditation |
| 7:00 | Holy Mass and Thanksgiving |
| 8:15 | Breakfast and Chores |
| 9:00 | Classes / Study / Work |
| 11:45 | Sext / Particular Examination of Conscience |
| 12:00 | Angelus |
| 12:15 | Lunch and Recreation |
| 1:35 | Rosary |
| 2:00 | Classes / Study / Work |
| 5:00 | Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament |
| 6:15 | Dinner and Recreation |
| 7:30 | Study |
| 8:05 | Spiritual Reading |
| 8:45 | Examination of Conscience, Compline |
| 9:45 | Lights Out |
| Year | Phase of Religious Life | Course of Studies | Level of Holy Orders |
| First Year | Postulancy | Liberal Arts | — |
| Second Year | Reception of the Cassock/Novitiate | Ascetical and Mystical Theology | — |
| Third Year | Novitiate (continued) | Philosophy | — |
| Fourth Year | First Vows | Philosophy | Tonsure  A ceremony in which one is received into the clerical state by having some hair cut from the top of the head |
| Fifth Year | Renewal of Vows | Theology | Porter / Receives the responsibility to open and lock the church doorsLector Receives the authority to read certain passages of Holy Scripture during Mass |
| Sixth Year | Renewal of Vows | Theology | Exorcist Receives the power to exorcize evil spirits with the permission of the bishopAcolyte Receives the right to carry the candles and give the wine and water at Holy Mass |
| Seventh Year | Perpetual Vows | Theology | Subdiaconate / Gives the right to present the water at a Solemn High Mass, to sing the Epistle, to bring the sacred vessels to the altar, to hold the paten during the Canon; it binds the ordinand to perpetual celibacy and the daily recitation of the Divine OfficeDiaconate Gives the authority to preach, distribute Holy Communion, and to solemnly baptize as well as to assist the priest at Holy Mass |
| Eighth Year | — | Theology | Priesthood Imprints an indelible mark upon the soul and gives the power to change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the Sacrament of Penance |