<P> The Canon law of the Catholic Church holds that the priesthood is a sacred and perpetual vocational state , not just a profession ( which is a reason for , and symbolized by , the state of celibacy ) . There are programs of formation and studies which aim to enable the future priest to effectively serve his ministry . These programs are demanded by canon law ( in the Latin rite , canons 232 -- 264 ) which also refers to the Bishops ' Conferences for local more detailed regulation . As a general rule , education is extensive and lasts at least five or six years , depending on the national Programme of Priestly Formation . </P>
<P> The Canon law of the Catholic Church holds that the priesthood is a sacred and perpetual vocational state , not just a profession ( which is a reason for , and symbolized by , the state of celibacy ) . There are programs of formation and studies which aim to enable the future priest to effectively serve his ministry . These programs are demanded by canon law ( in the Latin rite , canons 232 -- 264 ) which also refers to the Bishops ' Conferences for local more detailed regulation . As a general rule , education is extensive and lasts at least five or six years , depending on the national Programme of Priestly Formation . </P>
how many years does it take to become a roman catholic priest
how many years does it take to become a roman catholic priest
at least five or six years
at least five or six years