Dear Jerry,

I will give you an answer, but it would be prudent all the same to ask the priests of the order you are going to join since it may well be that some of the areas I mention are covered in their formation program and so you might not need to study them now.

I would highly recommend you getting a good ground in the humanities, liberal arts: classical languages (Latin and Greek if possible), literature/drama, history, philosophy. However, in all of these, especially when it comes to philosophy, you have to make sure that you get good teachers and a well-oriented course of studies. Not everything that is taught as philosophy is constructive. So, pick well your college and your courses.

Why these subjects? They form your mind, yours sensitivity and your ability to express yourself. The classical languages will help you in your later studies of theology and scripture. And these are all elements that are necessary if you are called to the charism of preaching and teaching.

However, don't limit your preparation to your studies. Make sure that you continue to develop your prayer life, choose your friends well, and always do something for others. God bless.