Priesthood

Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’

– John 20:21

Who is a Catholic Priest?

A Roman Catholic priest is a man called by God to serve Christ and the Church through the reception of the sacrament of Holy Orders. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, the priest serves the faithful by building up and guiding the Church in the name of Christ, who is head of the body (CCC #1547). A priest makes a lifelong promise of celibacy and obedience to a bishop or religious superior.

Why become a Catholic Priest?

The ordained priesthood is a wonderful life of dedication and service to the people of God.  You are not paid a lot of money and will live a pretty simple life.  The joys you experience, however, are beyond measure.  

As a priest, you are with people during some of the most significant moments of their lives.  You will walk with young couples as they prepare for a celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony; later you are there to baptize their children and give them first Holy Communion. You support and shepherd God’s people throughout their lives.

What are the qualifications to become a Priest?

To become a priest, one must have a sincere and genuine interest in serving Christ and the Church.  The applicant to the Archdiocese must be an unmarried practicing Roman Catholic male at least 18 years of age.  The application process usually begins upon the commencement or completion of an undergraduate degree.

Meet Father Scott Schilmoeller,
Director of Vocations

“As Catholics we encounter Jesus as a living person. Then, we equip our people to be disciples so they can follow Jesus in the habits of prayer and regular sacramental life. We want people to live this one Church, which is the supportive community of other people. And we want people to live by giving away the good things that they’re receiving.”

– Father Scott

EMAIL FATHER SCOTT
PRIESTHOOD FAQ

Meet Archdiocese of Omaha Priests

Hey! I’m Zach Eischeid. I grew up in Elgin, Nebraska and belong to the Saint Boniface Parish. I attended Saint Boniface Elementary and graduated from Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School. Saint Boniface Parish is a great place to learn about the Faith with our schools and to see so many parishioners helping each other and our parish in a myriad of ways.

My discernment has been around for as long as I can remember. Since I was a toddler, the priesthood always amazed me. However, around junior high, I kept pushing it to the back of my mind because I didn’t want to be labeled as that “extra-religious guy.” After graduating, I decided to attend Benedictine College to major in Theology. Towards the end of my first year at Benedictine, while at my sister’s wedding dance, I oddly had a strong feeling about seminary. A month later, I attended the priest ordination while teaching Totus Tuus, and started weeping during the procession in the cathedral. This sign was big encouragement in finally giving my future in God’s hands. I am currently at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and have made many fraternal friendships, as we are all on the same journey of striving to be what God wants us to be.

For all those with even an inkling about entering seminary, I encourage you to be open to it. Pray about it, frequent the sacraments, and remember: “You were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” And remember, every priest and seminarian has gone through what you are going through.

In my down time, I like playing any sport, especially basketball and baseball, jamming on the ukulele, listening to Christian rap, watching Nebraska football, and combating heresy.