Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

138 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

in sacramental discipline. 405 Seminarians should learn how to make appro priate referrals for issues that are beyond their competence. Studies in spiritual theology and spiritual direction are to be included. Spiritual theology includes studies in the Catholic spiritual Tradition, provides practical directives for the Christian call to perfection, and proposes principles of discernment. This study should also explore the spirituality of various vocations, especially the priesthood and consecrated life. 406 Spiritual direction teaches the art of fostering the spiritual life of those entrusted to one’s care: “In view of the pastoral care of the faithful, formation in the discernment of spirits and in spiritual direction should receive attention as an integral part of priestly ministry.” 407 Seminarians must learn to celebrate the Church’s sacred rites according to the mind of the Church, without addition or subtraction. Liturgical practica should include the celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments, with particular attention given to the practicum for the Sacrament of Penance. Seminarians should be introduced to the offi cial liturgical books used by the clergy and to the Church’s directives for music, art, and architecture. 409 Knowledge of sacred art and music should be integrated into liturgical formations so that it “will contribute to the overall formation of seminarians, and provide them with another resource in view of evangelization and pastoral endeavor.” 410 Homiletics should occupy a prominent place in the core curric ulum and should be integrated into the entire course of studies. In addi tion to the principles of biblical interpretation, catechesis, and communi cations theory, seminarians should also learn the practical skills needed to communicate the Gospel as proclaimed by the Church in an effective and appropriate manner. Seminarians should be taught that “through the course of the liturgical year the homily sets forth the mysteries of faith 405 See CIC, c. 256 §1; CCEO, c. 352 §§2-3; Congregation for Catholic Education, On the Teaching of Canon Law to Those Preparing to Be Priests (1975). 406 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 169. 407 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 178. 408 See Congregation for Catholic Education, Instruction on Liturgical Formation in Seminaries (1979). 409 See Ecclesia de Eucharistia , no. 5; General Instruction of the Roman Missal , nos. 5-6. 410 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 181. 340. 341. In liturgy, the core should include studies in the theological, historical, spiritual, pastoral, and juridical aspects of liturgy. 408 342. 343.