The seminarians, currently in their first year of formation for the priesthood, will have three additional years of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses.

As part of the rite, the Lectionary, the book of readings used in the celebration of Mass, is placed in the hands of each candidate, who is then told, "Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people."

A lector is one of the ministries in the Catholic Church, into which a seminarian must be installed during his studies to become a priest, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. A lector reads the lesson from Sacred Scripture, except the Gospel, during Mass and other sacred celebrations. He also recites the psalms between the readings in place of a cantor, presents the general intercessions when a deacon or cantor is absent, and if necessary, may also assume the responsibility of instructing any of the faithful called upon to read the Scriptures in any liturgical celebration.

The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the college has formed over 5,000 priests for service in dioceses around the United States, Canada, and Australia. The College strengthens the bonds between Rome and local churches worldwide and allows its students to study the church's religious and cultural heritage at close range.