Wow! Do you really believe that? I have had people tell me that whenever they come to my Catholic parish they are so edified by the quality of the sermons.
I am old enough to recall, however, that prior to the past 7 years or so, the older priests were not such good homilists. The quality of the new clerics in preaching, in teaching, and in general pastoral care is much higher than it was 30 years ago or so.
I think it is because after the scandals of priestly sexual abuse, and bishops being negligent in handling of these cases, the seminaries were totally restructured with more care in selection of candidates for the seminary. Now the young priests are there because of true vocations, and not simply looking on it as just another job. I feel that when I’m around the new priests, I am around holy men, not just another Tom, Dick or Harry.
Yes, the seminarians are there because they want to be there. Also there is a strenuous entrance procedure: two day psyche exam, multiple letters of recommendation from clergy, more interviews at the seminary, parents are questioned, and I am listed just a little bit of the procedures.