Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

132 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

314. For men who enter the discipleship stage with a college degree, programs are encouraged to consider offering the civilly recognized bachelor in philosophy (PhB), a two-year degree program that presumes a previous bachelor’s degree (preferably in the liberal arts) but does not require a liberal arts component. Such a degree requires regional accreditation. Configuration Stage

315.

At least four full years must be dedicated to graduate theological

studies. 381

316. Graduate theological studies require an appropriate and sound philosophical formation. Those requirements, identified in the norms on discipleship stage programs, are prerequisites for theological studies. Philosophy and theology professors in seminaries are expected to make a Profession of Faith 382 and have a mandate from the diocesan bishop or a canonical mission, dependent upon the canonical nature of the institution. 317. 319. The curriculum must reflect the specialized nature of priestly formation and assist seminarians in developing a clear understanding of the ministerial priesthood. Due consideration should be given to the pastoral aim of theo logical formation. Theological studies should be designed with the pastoral goal in view, recognizing that the pastoral character of priestly formation applies to intellectual formation as well as to the other areas of formation. 383 320. 318. The academic curriculum as a whole should have a discernible and coherent unity.

381 See CIC, c. 250; CCEO, c. 348 §1. See also Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 154. The second and third models of the configuration stage are exceptions. 382 See CIC, c. 833, 6°. For seminaries with ecclesiastical faculties, see also Veritatis Gaudium , no. 27 §1. 383 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , nos. 55, 57.