Men Who Know God 
There are many people who claim to know things about God.  Yet to serve as one of Christ's public representatives, one needs to know God personally and intimately.  As His priests are destined to be chosen friends, priestly candidates must desire to take on the mind and heart of Jesus.    


Men Who Pray 
A priestly candidate must be fascinated with God.  He must be more interested in what God is doing, how God acts, and how God speaks, rather than simply being concerned with himself.  Daily time spent in prayer, particularly in Eucharistic Adoration and Mass, all help to foster a habit of being in communion with the Lord.   


Men Who Want to Serve the Church 
Jesus laid down his life for His Bride, the Church.   Those who are called to be His priests are invited to the same great mission, to committ themselves to the same Bride in humble service.  This commitment to the Church translates into a zeal for the salvation of souls.  


Men Who Honor Mary 
As Jesus has always shown great honor and respect for His mother, so too are His priests called to venerate the Mother of God and look to her Immaculate Heart for spiritual support.  
 

Men Who Are Balanced and Well-Integrated 
In order to bring people into harmony with God, priests must first be in harmony with themsevles.  Having healthy friendships, a balanced diet, regular exercise, an recreational hobbies all lead to a lifestyle that allows one to be of service to the Church.  


Men Who Are Chaste
As part of being a balanced man, a prieslty candidate must turn away from the sensual tempatations of this world and strive after the beauty and peace that purity provides.   


Men Who Desire Fatherhood  
A priest is not called to be a bachelor.  He is called to generate life in those whom he serves and enjoy the fruits of spiritual fatherhood.  Though he will not have his own biological family, a priest enjoys broad relationships of love among those who look to him for spiritual nourishment, counsel, and support.  


Men Who Can Lead 
Those who are called to be a sheperd of Christ's flock must be willing to lead.  They cannot remain passive in the face of spiritual threats nor can they wait for the wandering sheep to come to them.  Creating a vision, taking initaitive, and working hard as a man of communion are all important priestly characteristics.