Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

36 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

evidence includes the requisite human, moral, spiritual, intellectual, phys ical, and psychological qualities for priestly ministry. 107 All applicants should give witness to their conviction that God has brought them to the formation program to discern whether they are really called to the priesthood; and they should commit themselves whole heartedly to carrying out that discernment, demonstrate dedication to the formation program, and exhibit appropriate respect to their formators. The applicant should be alert both to signs that seem to confirm that call and to counterindications. As the applicant and then seminarian journeys through the stages of formation, there should be a growing sense of confir mation of that call. Applicants must undergo a thorough screening process appro priate to the admission processes. Personal interviews with the applicants, evaluations from their pastors and teachers, records and evaluations from a previous seminary or institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life if applicable, 108 academic records, standardized test scores, psycholog ical evaluations, and criminal background checks 109 are all components of an effective admission program, and they are weighed together with an assessment of the applicant’s motivation. Those who do not fulfill minimal thresholds for admission must not be admitted. It is the responsibility of the vocation director of the ecclesiastical entity to provide the admissions board with a summary of the results of the screening process. It is his responsibility to provide to the rector of the seminary, in a timely and complete fashion, the results of the screening process used by the ecclesiastical entity. Such provision is to be made only with the applicant’s previous written consent. In the event that further consultation is needed in a particular case, additional release forms must be obtained. Applicants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds should be given every encouragement. An effort must be made by vocation 107 See CIC, c. 241 §1; CCEO, c. 342 §1. Regarding psychological assessments see Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood ; Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions ; and Ratio Fundamentalis , nos. 191-196. Regarding persons with homo sexual tendencies, see Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with Regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in View of Their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders (2005) and also Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 199. Regarding physical health see Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 190. 108 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 198. 109 See Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People , art. 13. 65. 66. 67. 68.