A man is invited by the Director of Vocations to apply to the diocese.  This requires an application form, essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, background checks, and psychological screening.  The Bishop ultimately decides whether or not to accept a candidate.  After being accepted, the man goes to seminary.  There he receives preparation for priesthood, including human, pastoral, spiritual, and academic formation.  If he enters before receiving a bachelor's degree, he will earn a degreen in Philosophy before continuing in the graduate program in Theology.  Seminary training and discernment ranges from five to nine years, depending on one's educational background, before a man is ordained a priest.