Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

166 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

seminary community to discuss the changing needs of the Church, the progress of seminarians, and developments in the seminary program. At times, seminarians for the diocesan priesthood may attend seminaries owned and operated by institutes of consecrated life or soci eties of apostolic life and not by a diocese. In such instances, the local diocesan bishop has canonical responsibility for the welfare of all diocesan seminarians in attendance there. 484 Accordingly, he should be in regular communication with the seminary rector and be accorded a voice in the governance of the seminary. The formation of seminarians preparing for the priesthood in institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life is the responsi bility of each institute or society and is regulated by the constitutions and other canonical legislation or directives pertaining to them, as well as by the directives of this Program of Priestly Formation. Most seminaries sponsored by some form of consecrated life are collaborative ventures of several religious institutes or societies. Responsibility for the canonical form of governance belongs to those who hold ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The statutes of such institutions must be approved by the competent authority. The Holy See must approve priestly formation centers formed by a number of religious institutes or societies. 412. 413. 414. 415. A variety of structures is legitimately used in the governance of seminaries in the United States. In situations with multiple boards, the bylaws of each should establish the clear jurisdiction and purpose of each board or corporation. Care is to be taken to guarantee that the bylaws of these corporations and boards are canonically proper and in accord with civil law, providing for suitable ecclesiastical oversight. An advisory board can provide a valuable service to the semi nary by offering wise counsel to the diocesan bishop or major superior on 416. SEMINARY BOARDS

484 See USCCB Committee on Priestly Formation, Relationship of the Local Ordinary (Bishop) to the Seminary Owned and Operated by Religious (1981).