Spiritual Formation Program
The goal of the Seminary is to form true pastors of the people of God after the model of our Lord Jesus Christ, Teacher, Priest and Shepherd. The purpose of the spiritual formation program, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to draw each seminarian into a closer union with God our Father and into a more intimate friendship with Jesus Christ. The program aims to create an environment in which a seminarian can respond generously to the grace of God working within him. Growth, depth of discipleship and commitment to the service of others usually comes gradually and is on-going. Normally, human, psychological and spiritual growth advance together. Although all ministry must flow from one's relationship with Christ, nourished by prayer, a high level of emotional maturity is necessary if a seminarian is adequately to meet the challenges of the priesthood, especially celibacy, and to be a responsible pastor of souls. "The final goal of spiritual formation in the seminary is the establishment of attitudes, habits, and practices in the spiritual life that will continue after ordination. Spiritual formation in the seminary is meant to set the foundation for a lifetime of priestly ministry." (PPF 266) With this in mind, the spiritual formation program of the seminary is as follows:
The daily celebration of the Mass is the center of all priestly spirituality. The active participation of each seminarian is essential, and each participates according to the ministry and order he has received.
Morning and Evening Prayer are prayed in chapel by the community, led by the seminarians. The praying of the other hours privately or in small groups is fostered. Participation in the Eucharist and the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours is enhanced and deepened by a formal course in Liturgy, given in First Theology.
Each seminarian sets aside a time each day for meditation. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the scriptures. In addition, the seminarians are instructed to set aside some time each day for spiritual reading of their choice.
The seminarians are encouraged to use the Sacrament of Penance frequently. Regular times for Confession are scheduled throughout the week. The Spiritual Directors also make themselves available on request. A monthly Penance Service is conducted.
Every seminarian is required to choose and meet regularly with a Spiritual Director approved by the Archbishop. While the entire community is responsible for the spiritual growth of the seminarians, ancient tradition and modern psychology show the need for a very personal relationship between the individual man and his own Spiritual Director. In the context of this relationship, the seminarian is better enabled to discern within himself the movements of God's Spirit and, while taking into account his own personality and circumstances, to apply more effectively in his particular concrete situation the principles and ideals of the spiritual life.
The seminarians make two retreats a year, at the opening and the closing of the school year. Those to be ordained to the diaconate or priesthood make a six day retreat prior to ordination. A Day of Recollection is offered in the middle of each academic semester.
Seminarians are encouraged to participate in Eucharistic Adoration. An Hour of Exposition takes place every weekday afternoon Nocturnal Adoration is held on First Fridays from after Evening Prayer until midnight.
Devotion to to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is an important part of the spiritual life of the priest. Seminarians are urged to recite the rosary privately every day. Once a week, the community recites the rosary for the intention of vocations.
A required course in Ascetics is given to all second year seminarians. The course surveys spiritual writers from early Christianity up to the present time. It familiarizes the seminarians with the history of spirituality and fosters the practice of spiritual reading, so very enriching an ingredient of an active prayer life.
To enable the seminarian to grow and take greater advantage of spiritual direction as a directee and later as a director in his parish, the staff psychologist conducts a first semester course with the First Theologians, entitled "Seminar in Interpersonal Relations."
In conjunction with the Psychology Department, conferences and workshops are held on the subject of human sexuality.
A very important contribution to the program of spiritual formation is made by the counseling services of the staff psychologists. The spiritual directors work closely with them and make referrals to them. Individual and group counseling services are provided to the students and consultation is offered to the faculty and administration. In some instances, and always with the seminarian's permission, the psychologist and spiritual director work together to help the student integrate the psychological and spiritual dimensions of formation.
