Source: MM, FE 7.

Trained at the seminary in Viviers, run by the Sulpicians, Stephen Terme felt ready to join them when political unrest led to the dissolution of their society. He therefore continued his training as a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Viviers (attached to that of Mende between 1801 and 1822).

For practical reasons, as travel was long and difficult for the bishop, he was ordained a deacon on 11 March 1815 and a priest on Holy Saturday, 25 March 1815, by the bishop of the same city in Valence.