What do we call someone who is studying to be a priest?

Answer 1

Generally when one wishes to enter into the discernment process for the priesthood whether Diocesan or Religious one will study philosophy and theology. Philosophical studies come before one starts theological studies. This is because theology utilizes the language of philosophy. Therefore if one wishes to be a student of theology, one must learn the language. Math is to Science what Philosophy is to Theology.

Philosophical studies will consist of an introductory course, then one will progress to study epistemology, metaphysics, ancient, medieval, and modern philosophy, logic and argumentation, phenomenology, etc. Theological studies will consist of basic courses in Ecclesiology, Trinitarian Theology, Sacramental Theology and Sacraments, Canon Law, Pastoral Theology, Revelation, Scripture, Prayer and Spirituality, etc. Seminary also consists of practical training such as apostolic works. These consist of parish assignments (usually in the upper years of formation,) assignments to prisons, nursing homes, shelters, hospitals, Clinical Pastoral Education, (usually in the lower years of formation) Seminary usually takes at least 6 years for those who enter with an undergraduate degree, 8 years for those who do not.

Religious life is a different concept. Because when one enters into religious life, one is entering into a community and embracing that communities particular charism. This can be anything from teaching to hospital ministry to apostolates to inner city and poor. Each religious community has distinct formation practices and different emphasis. Once again, the time period of formation can take anywhere from 6-12 years. To be sure one who enters into religious life, will learn some basic principles of philosophy and theology, but one will also be immersed in the spiritual tradition of the Church in a deeper way then seminarians who are studying for the Diocesan Priesthood.

Answer 2

A seminarian is a man studying to become a priest.