Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

28 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

is in place, and with the seminary. The role of a vocation director for other ecclesiastical entities may vary according to the division of labor in a given ecclesiastical entity. All vocation directors should collaborate to create a culture of vocations. In all cases, the relationship with the seminary merits special attention. Mutual respect and collaboration should mark the relations between vocation and seminary personnel. Each possesses different responsibilities; yet cooperation, mutual knowledge, and trust are vital for the good of the seminarians and the benefit of the Church. Such collaboration is especially important concerning applicants’ ongoing evaluation and their recommendation for admission. iii. The vocation director accompanies others along their journey, possibly for several years, through their initial discernment, seminary formation, and ordination to the priesthood, if that is the local custom. The vocation director should not attempt to develop a process of formation that competes with or parallels that of the seminary. It is vital that all those responsible for the formation of priests collaborate fully in this work. Regardless of the length of the relationship, the vocation director has a lasting influence on the lives of those he encounters. g. National vocations promotion : Peer organizations such as the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) and the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) seek to promote vocations to priesthood in various ecclesiastical enti ties, as well the other various expressions of consecrated life. Each in its own way is a resource to vocations personnel, formators, seminaries, parishes, dioceses, eparchies, personal ordinariates, schools, universities, and those discerning a priestly vocation or a vocation to the various forms of consecrated life. This exchange of ideas, sharing of resources, and development of best practices in promotion, discernment, and formation help those involved in vocational accompaniment. Organizations such as NCDVD and NRVC help members to build fraternity and support, learn from one another, and serve the discerner and seminarian with the best resources available.