Admissions
Answering the Call to the Priesthood
Mater Dei Seminary is dedicated to the formation of faithful Catholic priests who will carry on the sacred mission of the Church. If you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, we invite you to apply and begin your journey in the service of Christ.
Admissions Process
Step 1: Pray and Discern
A vocation to the priesthood is a profound calling from God. We encourage prospective seminarians to spend time in prayer and reflection, especially seeking guidance from their spiritual director/ confessor.
Step 2: Contact the Seminary
Before beginning the formal application process, interested candidates should reach out to the seminary to discuss their vocation and ask any questions they may have.
📞 Phone: (402) 571-4404
✉️ Email: vocationsdirector@materdeiseminary.org
Step 3: Submit an Application
Candidates must complete and submit the seminary application form, which includes:
- Personal and family background
- Academic history
- Spiritual and sacramental life
- Letters of recommendation from a pastor or spiritual advisor
Step 4: Interview and Evaluation
After reviewing applications, selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the seminary rector and faculty. This allows us to better understand your calling and readiness for formation.
Step 5: Admission Decision
Accepted applicants will receive formal notification and further instructions on the next steps, including preparation for seminary life.
Requirements for Admission
- A deep love for the Catholic faith and a sincere desire to serve as a priest
- A strong moral character and commitment to a life of holiness
- Regular reception of the Sacraments
- Must not be over 30 years of age
- A high school diploma or equivalent (college experience preferred but not required)
- Good physical and mental health
- Fluency in the English language
- A letter of recommendation from parish priest
- A personal letter of intention addressed to the rector outlining reasons for requesting admission to the seminary
- Certification of Reception of Sacraments
Life at Mater Dei Seminary
Accepted seminarians will live a structured life of prayer, study, and community, following a schedule that includes:
- Daily Mass and Divine Office (Vespers & Compline Chanted)
- Academic Classes
- Spiritual Formation and Direction
- Study Time
- Community Meals
- Recreation
- Morning and Evening Prayers (Meditation, Rosary, Spiritual Reading, etc.)
Schedule a Visit
Considering the seminary but unsure if it’s the right fit? We invite you to schedule a visit and experience seminary life firsthand. Contact our admissions office to arrange your visit.
Support Future Priests
Even if you are not called to the priesthood, you can still play a vital role in forming future priests. Your generosity helps provide seminarians with the education, formation, and resources they need to fulfill their vocation.
For more information or to begin the application process, please contact us at:
📞 Phone: (402) 571-4404
✉️ Email: admissions@materdeiseminary.org
📌 Mater Dei Seminary generally accepts applicants who have completed high school and are at least 18 years old. While we do not accept candidates over 30 years old, it may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their formation and discernment process.
📌 Mater Dei Seminary relies on the generosity of benefactors, which helps minimize costs for seminarians. While there is no traditional tuition, seminarians are encouraged to seek sponsorships from their home parishes or benefactors who wish to support their formation if possible. Foreign students are eligible for the Mater Dei Seminary Scholarship Fund.
📌 Yes, international applicants are welcome, but they must demonstrate proficiency in English and fulfill any visa requirements. Mater Dei Seminary is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). We recommend contacting the admissions office early to discuss necessary arrangements.
📌 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, we encourage candidates to apply several months before the start of the academic year to allow ample time for processing and discernment.
📌 A seminarian’s day is structured around prayer, study, and community life. A typical day includes:
- Morning prayers and Daily Mass
- Academic courses in philosophy, theology, Latin, liturgy, and more
- Spiritual direction and personal meditation
- Evening prayer and communal meals
📌 Yes! We highly encourage visits so that potential seminarians can experience daily life at the seminary. Please contact the admissions office to arrange a visit.
📌 New seminarians should bring modest clothing suitable for daily life, liturgical attire, personal items, and any devotional materials they use regularly. A detailed packing list will be provided upon acceptance.
📌 Yes, seminarians are allowed designated times to visit family, particularly during breaks and holidays. However, the seminary’s primary focus is on formation, and seminarians are expected to prioritize their spiritual and academic development.
📌 Discernment is an ongoing process, and not all who enter the seminary are ultimately called to the priesthood. If a seminarian realizes that God is calling him elsewhere, the seminary faculty will assist him in making a smooth transition with spiritual guidance and support.
📌 There are many ways to support priestly formation, including financial donations, prayer, and offering sponsorships for seminarians. Visit our Donate page to learn more about how you can help.