Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Archdiocese of Louisville has announced that it currently has 23 seminarians in formation for the priesthood.

The process for becoming a priest in the Archdiocese typically takes between seven and eight years. The formation is divided into several stages. The initial Propaedeutic Stage lasts one year and centers on faith, prayer, community, and service.

Next, candidates enter the Discipleship Stage for two years—though this may extend to three years if they do not have a college degree. This stage focuses on building a relationship with Christ, developing Christian virtues, and studying philosophy.

Following this is the Configuration Stage, which spans approximately three and a half years. During this period, seminarians focus on understanding their identity as priests in the context of Christ’s example as shepherd and servant.

After completing these stages, seminarians are ordained to the transitional diaconate as an intermediate step before priesthood. They then spend about half a year in the Vocational Synthesis Stage, which is parish-based and aims at integrating them into the presbyterate while preparing them to transition from seminary life to priestly ministry.

Formation concludes with presbyteral ordination, marking their official entry into the priesthood.