Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

84 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

formation by the cultivation of the human functions of perception, analysis, and judgment. It also contributes to intellectual formation by enabling seminarians to pursue theology as a response to the questions of the human condition. Human formation is integrated with pastoral formation, which enables a priest to connect with and care for others with his human personality. Conversely, pastoral formation sharpens his human skills and empathic capacities.

PROPAEDEUTIC STAGE BENCHMARKS

191. Self-knowledge and awareness are key themes in the area of human formation during the propaedeutic stage. Before he begins the discipleship stage, it is important that the seminarian, with the help of formators, be able to reflect upon his personal history (e.g., family of origin, use of technology, personal habits) and his needed areas of growth. Other aspects of the human dimension necessary for beginning the disci pleship stage include relational skills (e.g., capacity for healthy and deep friendships, basic social skills and good manners, flexibility, adaptability, a basic capacity for empathy); self-discipline (e.g., capacity for hard work, awareness of the appropriate use of time, basic self-control); a trusting relationship with formators (e.g., openness to correction, awareness of the importance of transparency in formation, growing sense of account ability); and healthy habits of self-care (e.g., beginning an exercise regimen, good personal hygiene, beginning to address any health concerns or unhealthy habits).

DISCIPLESHIP STAGE BENCHMARKS

192. The discipleship stage places special emphasis on human forma tion 254 and on the necessity of self-awareness and pastoral correction on behalf of the seminarian’s formators for continued growth in affective maturity. It is a period marked by the understanding of and growth in the human virtues, informed and perfected by charity. “This process of forma tion is intended to educate the person in the truth of his being, in freedom and in self-control. It is meant to overcome all kinds of individualism,

254 See Ratio Fundamentalis , nos. 62-63.