In his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, 3 May 2009, Pope Benedict XVI listed these human qualities for those discerning a priestly vocation:

• Careful listening (contemplative prayer)
• Prudent discernment (accompaniment of a spiritual director)
• Generous and willing adherence to God’s will (self confidence and tenacity)
• Serious study of what’s involved (reading and using Google to your advantage)