Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

158 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

390. Determinations about the concurrent or intensive residency (onsite) program should be made by the seminary in collaboration with the ecclesiastical entity it serves. Seminaries and ecclesiastical entities that make provision for onsite experiences are also responsible for ensuring that these experiences help seminarians develop skills and attitudes that will enhance their future priestly ministry and that when ecumenical in nature—for example, clinical pastoral education (CPE)—these experi ences are respectful of Catholic teaching, especially on moral or ethical issues. It is the responsibility of the competent authority to ensure that the Catholic, sacramental dimension of pastoral care is integral to all such programs in which seminarians participate. Supervision, theological reflection, and evaluation are necessary components of an effective pastoral program. Although theological reflec tion can help the development of pastoral skills, its primary purpose is to interpret pastoral experience or activity in light of Sacred Scripture, Church teaching, personal faith, and pastoral practices. Reflection of this kind should become a lifelong habit in priestly ministry. Onsite supervisors should be carefully selected with an eye to their dedication to the Church and respect for the priesthood. They should be taught the skills of pastoral supervision and evaluation. In choosing pastoral internships, summer placements and their supervisors, bishops and vocation personnel should consider carefully the particular needs of individual seminarians and the available time and supervisory skills of the supervisors. In addition to onsite supervisors, others collaborating in the various ministries, as well as those served, should be asked to participate in the evaluation of seminarians in ministry. The pastoral formation program should provide the seminar ians with experience in working with and for the poor. Participation in ecumenical and interreligious programs of social action and outreach is also helpful. 467 391. 392. 393. 394.

467 See Second Vatican Council, Unitatis Redintegratio , no. 12; St. John Paul II, Ut Unum Sint , nos. 40 and 43.