Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

172 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

436. He sets the direction and tone of the seminary program. By creating a climate of mutual confidence and trust, he elicits the full coop eration and involvement of all members of the seminary community. His job description should be carefully drawn to ensure that he has the authority to discharge properly the responsibilities of his office. Given the extent and gravity of these responsibilities, the diocesan bishop or major superior should ensure that the rector not have additional obligations outside the seminary community that detract from his primary duties. The rector is appointed by the appropriate ecclesiastical authority, who, according to local statutes, seeks consultation with the seminary board and other interested parties. The rector is to make a Profession of Faith 496 and take the Oath of Fidelity at the beginning of his term. The rector is responsible to the diocesan bishop or competent authority of the institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life and must consult with him in matters of major concern. As a rule the rector is also responsible to a seminary board, if a legal corporation exists. If the board is advisory, he should give thoughtful consideration to its counsel and take advantage of its expertise in administering the seminary. The rector continues in office until (1) a notification in writing of the lapse of a predetermined time, if the appointment was made for a specified term; 497 (2) a resignation that is validly submitted and accepted; 498 (3) legitimate removal by the competent authority for a just reason, if appointed for an indefinite period of time, according to the procedure established in the seminary’s governance documents; 499 or (4) privation as a penalty for a canonical offense effected according to the norm of law. 500 The rector serves as chief administrative officer and principal agent responsible for the implementation of the seminary program and Rule. 501 He should also maintain close contact with the competent author ities of the ecclesiastical entities that the seminary serves. In addition, he is often responsible for public relations and development, though he may delegate these tasks to others. Although these duties may call him away 437. 438.

496 See CIC, c. 833, 6°. 497 See CIC, cc. 184-186; CCEO, cc. 965-966. 498 See CIC, cc. 187-189; CCEO, cc. 967-971. 499 See CIC, c. 193 §3; CCEO, c. 975 §2. 500 See CIC, c. 196; CCEO, c. 978. 501 See CIC, cc. 238 §2, 260, 261; CCEO, cc. 335 §2, 338 §2.