Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

130 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

Discipleship Stage

303. Seminarians should have or be earning a bachelor’s degree, pref erably a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, from an accredited institu tion. If such a degree is not available from their seminary, they may earn the degree at a college or university associated with the seminary. A discipleship stage program must offer courses in philosophy and theology or provide for them at a Catholic college or university that possesses a complete curriculum of philosophical and theological studies. Philosophy and theology professors should make a Profession of Faith 376 and have a mandate from the diocesan bishop or a canonical mission, dependent upon the canonical nature of the institution. Sound philosophical formation requires a biennium of study, which is understood in the United States to be at least thirty semester credit hours, 377 together with the out-of-classroom work associated with each credit hour traditionally expected in US higher education. The phil osophical curriculum must include the study of the history of philosophy (ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary), logic, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of nature, natural theology, anthropology, and ethics. Seminaries must ensure that the philosophy is appropriate for studying Catholic theology and explore creative curricular strategies so that seminarians can grasp the relationship between philosophical insights and theological frameworks. 304. 305. 306.

307.

Discipleship stage should extend for at least two calendar years,

regardless of previous academic or life experiences

308. A minimum of twelve semester credit hours must be required in appropriate courses of undergraduate theology. These courses should study the themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (doctrine, liturgy and sacraments, morality, prayer) as well as Sacred Scripture. The coordinator of intellectual formation and the rector should be vigilant to ensure that the philosophical and theological instruction 309.

376 See CIC, c. 833, 6°. 377 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 56; Fides et Ratio , no. 62.