Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

136 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

teaching of moral theology. Finally, the contribution of the natural and human sciences to moral theology should be considered. It is vital that the intellectual dimension in teaching moral theology be integrated with the pastoral dimension in applying moral theology to the lives of the People of God. Pastoral ministry requires more than the presentation of moral principles. Helping seminarians under stand this is critical to formation in pastoral charity. Priests are called upon to assist the faithful in the formation of a sound moral conscience in accord with Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and magisterial teaching. This formation will enable each person to grow in authentic prudence and virtuous Christian acts in the midst of difficult and at times oppressive circumstances. The formation of priests in moral theology should intersect with formation in compassionate listening and in thoughtful counseling, with the pastoral goal of gently but consistently fostering the love of God and neighbor. This is especially important in the areas of sexuality and family life. The importance of a clear grasp of the principles of health care ethics cannot be overestimated for the future priest in the contemporary culture. Special attention during his preparation should be given to the fundamental respect for human life from conception to natural death and to the moral evils of and pastoral means of addressing contraception, in vitro fertilization, abortion, and euthanasia. The teaching of sexual morality must be thorough and unambig uous in its presentation of the authentic teaching of the Church in sexual moral matters—presuming a mature biological and basic social scien tific understanding of human sexuality. Seminarians must be prepared to engage the contemporary world in dialogue regarding the complex issues of sexual morality and gender ideology. This is a matter of special import since the seminarian’s formation in celibate chastity includes the intellec tual assent to, and embrace of, the Church’s moral teachings in all matters of sexuality. The social doctrine of the Church must be presented in its entirety with appropriate principles of reflection, criteria for judgment, 332. 333. 334. 335.