In fact, in many cases, one's marriage can be a significant factor contributing to a grace-filled priestly ministry . Generally it is advisable to wait one or two years after the death of a spouse before entering the seminary. Some dioceses and religious communities will not accept divorced candidates, but, after careful examination, many others will. It is important that children be at least eighteen years of age and financially independent of their father before entrance to a seminary. The answer to this basically depends on the agreement between the candidate and the sponsor.
Health insurance is also a factor to be negotiated with the sponsor.
Generally, a sponsor will be looking for some stability or progress in one's work record. Because sponsorship is required for seminary admission, contacting one's diocesan or religious community vocation director is the place to begin. Often your local pastor can be of help in learning who to contact and how to do it.