Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

ADMISSION INTO A FORMATION PROGRAM | 41

experience (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)must be designed to address all four dimensions of formation, not simply to meet academic requirements. If applicants have been in a formation program previously, with due regard for what has already been stated regarding criminal or compul sive sexual activity, ecclesiastical entities and seminaries must consult all previous institutions about the past record of these applicants as prescribed in the Norms Concerning Applications for Priestly Formation from Those Previously Enrolled in a Formation Program. 124 While remaining confiden tial, “the reasons [for dismissal] should be given with the greatest possible objectivity, avoiding ambiguity and the use of euphemisms.” 125 It is also important to learn the reasons for leaving, if a seminarian left a forma tion program on his own initiative. Regardless of whether a seminarian was dismissed or left, if the records indicate difficulties, the ecclesiastical entity and seminary should proceed with due caution and prudence before admitting the applicant and should ascertain whether problems have been resolved and sufficient positive growth has taken place. In serious cases involving issues with Church doctrine or behavior, inside or outside a formation program, admittance is unwise. If an applicant has been dismissed from a program of priestly formation or from an institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life, no subsequent application will be considered in the two years following such dismissal. If the departure was other than a dismissal, sufficient time should be allotted to evaluate carefully his application and background. Prior to admission into a formation program, the ecclesiastical entity, usually through the vocation director, is obliged to ensure (and the seminary must verify) that recent certificates of Baptism and Confirmation (or Chrismation with holy Myron) have been obtained and to determine (if applicable) into which Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris the applicant is ascribed. 126 The diocese must also obtain the following documentation from others: summaries of personal interviews with the applicant, evalu ations from his pastor and teachers, academic records, standardized test 124 See USCCB, Norms Concerning Reapplication for Priestly Formation , www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teach ings/vocations/priesthood/priestly-formation/norms-concerning-reapplication-for-priestly-formation.cfm ; CIC, c. 241 §3; CCEO, c. 342 §3. These Norms are to be followed in reviewing an application for enrollment in a program of priestly formation that is submitted by one who has previously been enrolled in such a program or who has belonged to an institute of consecrated life or a society of apostolic life. 125 Scrutinies , no. 8. 126 See CIC, c. 241 §2; CCEO, c. 342 §2. 80. 81. 82.