Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

168 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

422. Proposals regarding governance policy are often initiated at the level of the seminary community where concrete needs and problems occur. After review by the seminary leadership, policy proposals of major importance are presented by the rector to the seminary board and to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority, for approval and promulgation as particular legislation. Consultation of the seminary community, including seminarians themselves, should be characteristic of policy making in seminaries. Planning provides for the long-range stability of the seminary, the effective implementation of its mission, and good stewardship of all asso ciated resources. A realistic conception of the seminary’s future should include effective planning regarding personnel, facilities, enrollment, finances, budget, and development. In their efforts to plan for the semi nary’s future, bishops and major superiors should enlist the assistance of the seminary board as well as the rector and other appropriate seminary leadership. Sacred Scripture imposes on ecclesiastical authorities the obli gation of finding worthy and faithful co-workers in the service of God’s People. 486 Diocesan bishops and major superiors should encourage exem plary priests to enter the seminary apostolate and be willing to release them for such service. “Formators are needed who can ensure their full-time presence and who, above all else, are witnesses of how to love and serve the people of God, giving themselves without reserve for the Church.” 487 Seminaries should cooperate with diocesan bishops and major superiors in the preparation of priest formators. 488 Deacons, consecrated men and women, and lay men and women should also be encouraged to prepare for work in seminary formation and receive assistance when appropriate. Ecclesiastical entities and seminaries must honestly plan for the financial commitment that this requires. “The presence of women in the Seminary journey of formation has its own formative significance. They can be PLANNING 423. 424.

486 See 1 Tm 5:22; Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 65. 487 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 49. 488 “Those who are marked out to become formators need a specific preparation and generous dedication to this important task.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 49.