Vocations

Outline of Training

Training as a missionary priest begins in the family home, which provides the basic foundation in the Catholic faith. Candidates will be active members of their parish community.

Formal training has four basic components:

• Initial training (which is called 'formation') takes place in one of two centres, Ijebu-Ode in Nigeria or Nakuru in Kenya. This lasts for two years and provides an introduction to prayer, spiritual life and community living as well as some practical skills.

• For the next stage of training, candidates move to KwaPatrick, our house in South Africa, where university studies in Philosophy are undertaken, along with growing experience of pastoral engagement.

• Students undertake their theological studies in Nairobi, as members of Tangaza University College. During this period, students are given their 'First Missionary Assignment' an extended pastoral assignment in one of our missions. This is a break from formal study to allow a deepening experience of pastoral work.

• Students are normally ordained as a Deacon at the beginning of their final year of study in Kenya. Priestly ordination follows in the next year, usually in the home Diocese.