Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

ADMISSION INTO A FORMATION PROGRAM | 39

their psychosexual development—can be important gauges of their read iness to enter a formation program. If an individual has any significant unresolved human issues, the seminary is well advised to delay admission until greater clarity or resolution is evident. Concerning the capacity to live the charism of celibacy, the applicant is to have lived in continence for a sustained period of time before entering the propaedeutic stage of priestly formation, so that he may give a strong indication to the vocation director and formators of his capacity for continence and self-possession. In discerning the minimal length of this sustained period of time, indica tors in the applicant himself—such as age, life experiences, and capacity for growth in psychosexual maturity—should be considered by admis sions personnel. Admission procedures should include an evaluation of all internet and social media use, including gaming, by the applicant up to the point of application. It will be necessary for formation personnel to assist the discerner and seminarian with any recommended ongoing support. Any evidence of criminal or compulsive sexual activity or an incli nation toward such activity disqualifies the applicant from admission. 117 With regard to the admission of men with same-sex experiences and/or inclinations, the guidelines provided by the Holy See must be followed. 118 To this end a distinction must be made between deep-seated and transitory tendencies. Persons who “practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called ‘gay culture’” cannot be admitted to either the seminary or Holy Orders. 119 “Different, however, would be the case in which one were dealing with homosexual tendencies that were only the expression of a transitory problem—for example, that of an adolescence not yet superseded. Nevertheless, such tendencies must be clearly overcome at least three years before ordina tion to the diaconate.” 120 It is important that formators and, if necessary, outside professionals pastorally accompany a person “in a relationship of sincere dialogue and mutual trust,” 121 especially a discerner or seminarian, 73. 74. 75.

117 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 202. See also Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People , art. 13. 118 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 .

119 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 199. 120 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 200. 121 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 200.