My name is Joseph Miller. I am eighteen years old, and I come from the West Midlands. Although I have spent most of my life in Birmingham and its environs, I lived for around four years in Devon, near the Institute's apostolate in Torquay. Through this, I got to know the Institute, and after prayer and deliberation, I decided to discern a vocation with them, which was something I had been thinking about since my early teens.

I was attracted to the Institute by its Salesian spirituality and its attention to the liturgy, and also by the joyful spirit of its Canons and seminarians, which led to many happy times.

The Institute of Christ the King is a Society of Apostolic Right whose purpose is the honour of God and the sanctification of of priests in the service of the Church and of souls, with the specific and missionary aim of spreading the reign of Our Lord into all spheres of human life and activity. The essential elements of the Institute's spirituality are a concern for a solemn liturgy, absolute fidelity to the doctrine of the Church and to the Holy Father, and an awareness of the central role of grace, particularly charity.

In order to form good and holy priests, the Institute requires at least eight years of formation before men are ordained to the priesthood - seven years at seminary. During these years, seminarians are both educated in the necessary subjects, and formed to be men whose lives revolve around the Mass and the Church.

Before going to seminary, however, the Institute requires a year of discernment. This is important, both for the candidate to discern whether he is truly called to the priesthood, and also for him to be formed in the spirituality of the Institute.

I need to raise £3,750 in order to pay for this first year of discernment. I am trying to raise money for this in various ways, including holiday work; however, I would be very grateful if anyone wishes to contribute to my efforts via this website. Be assured of my thanks and prayers for any and all gifts received.