There, they fulfill their Philosophy and Religious Studies requirements. Seminarians complete their graduate work at a seminary chosen for the candidate by the Bishop. A pre- theology program is offered to individuals who have an academic degree, but need to complete undergraduate requirements in Philosophy and Religious Studies. For women, each community develops a process to incorporate a woman into its community. Study of vows is an important step in the process.
Women begin a noviate program based on where their particular order sends candidates.
For more information, log onto the Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of St. Joseph web site. There is no certain age to start preparing for the priesthood. Some people enter the seminary after high school, college, or after they have been working for years. Seminarians today are older than in previous years. The median age is 32, up from 30 last year.