The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is looking for celibate, unmarried young men between the ages of 18-35 who are active members of their parishes. Young men who think that they may be called and are willing to give their life in service are encouraged to contact us below.

It can take between six to eight years. All seminarians study four years of theology. Before beginning theological studies, the seminarian must have a bachelors degree and have completed required philosophical studies.

No, but if you already have a bachelors degree, then you will have to enter a pre-theology program in order to finish the philosophy requirements. If you do not have a bachelors degree, then you can complete one in a college seminary program.

Kenrick/Glennon in St. Louis, Missouri
Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois

St. Joseph House of Formation in Wichita, Kansas

Begin by frequenting the sacraments. Attend Mass as often as possible. Try to develop your prayer life so you can hear where God is calling you. Make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation often. Spend time with our Lord each week in Eucharistic Adoration. Read scripture and reflect upon it. Read spiritual books to guide you. Meet with a priest for spiritual direction to help you in the process of knowing your vocation and God”s will for you. Let us know you are considering seminary and we can pray for you as well as let you know about discernment opportunities.

Initial contact is made when a young man calls the Vocations Office for the first time. After an initial meeting, the Director of Vocations will meet with the candidate for a series of conversations. These will allow the Vocations Director to answer questions you may have, to begin your formation as a seminarian candidate and to let us learn a little more about you.

You will find this checklist helpful in completing the process. All interview modules should be completed at least 3 days prior to your interview. Forms should be typewritten except for the required signatures. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will have to co-sign your forms. All forms and transcripts should be mailed directly to:

Fr. Garett Burns
Director of Vocations Promotion
424 North Broadway
Wichita, Kansas 67202

In preparation for our FIRST interview, please complete the following forms (according to each form’s instructions):

1. Conversation 1
2. Diocesan Application
3. Medical History
4. Permission to Release Information

In preparation for the SECOND interview, you should be prepared to present:

1.Conversation 2
2. Autobiography Submit by email.
3. Request 1 copy of your Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates from the appropriate parish. They must be issued within the past 6 months.
4. Diocesan Code of Ethics Policy
5. Policy on the Suspected Abuse of Children
6. Criminal/Financial Background check

Follow the links below to download the forms needed in preparation for this interview and for your recommendations. Please schedule a time with each of the following persons when you request them to recommend you to seminary:

1. Conversation 3
2. Pastor Recommendation Form
3. Priest Recommendation Form
4. Educator Recommendation Form

At this point, you are ready to schedule a time for the Director of Vocations to meet and visit with your family. Normally a time during the evening is scheduled to meet with your family in your home. This is a time for your parents and siblings to have their questions answered about what your life will be like next year and to let them know about the program of vocations in the Diocese of Wichita.

After your interviews, you will receive an email with information on setting an appointment for a psychological assessment. There will be forms necessary for your assessment attached to the email.

Before you arrive for your appointment, you must complete and email your intake form.

Prior to your first appointment you must read and sign the psychological services agreement. Print the form, sign it, and bring the signed copy to your first appointment. If you are a minor, a legal guardian cosign the document.

Schedule a Physical Exam by your physician including:
HIV Blood Screening
Drug Testing by Urinalysis


Your physician will need to complete the physical exam form and submit it and all test results by mail or fax to the Office of Vocations.

Once you are completed with the above, you will be emailed that the Bishop is ready to accept you as a seminarian for the Diocese of Wichita. At that time, you will be invited for an acceptance meeting with the Bishop in the Bishop’s office at the Chancery (424 N. Broadway, Wichita). Be sure to wear a suit and tie for this important occasion. At this time, you will also learn of your seminary assignment.

The final step is submitting an application to your assigned seminary. For a copy of the application, please follow the following links.

Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
Mundelein Seminary (forms will be emailed to applicant)
Newman University

While completing your application to the seminary, request 2 copies of all High School and College Transcripts. One transcript will be mailed to the Diocese of Wichita, the other will be mailed directly to the seminary you will attend. If you are currently enrolled, wait until the end of the term to request transcripts.

Once you submit your application to the appropriate seminary, your application is complete. The Director of Vocations will forward all information in your file to the seminary for you.