Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

56 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

(cf. Jn 10:11). He came not to be served but to serve (cf. Mt 20:24-28). As the Second Vatican Council indicates [see Optatam Totius , nos. 4, 19], the entire process of for mation in preparation for priestly ministry, in fact, has as its aim the preparation of seminarians to “ enter into the communion with the charity of Christ the Good Shepherd. ” 170

The goal is the development not just of a well-rounded person, a prayerful person, or an experienced pastoral practitioner, but rather of one who understands his formation within the context of his call to service in the Church. In the beginning stages of formation, the seminarian must be presented with specific areas of growth in each dimension so that he is able immediately to see the need for formation within himself, no matter how challenging this may be for him. In the later stages of formation there needs to be a systematic approach to growth in each of the stages of forma tion with the hopes that the man will naturally see the areas of growth needed in himself and will therefore continue to desire to be formed even after priestly ordination. Formation in the seminary begins by focusing in a concentrated way on the seminarian’s relationship with Jesus Christ. The seminarian first became a disciple of Christ at his Baptism; formation in the seminary will enable him to grow as a disciple who is discerning and preparing for ordained ministry. He is gradually formed into a shepherd who is called to make a gift of his life in pastoral charity for the People of God. This gradual development of the future priest has as its goal growth in holi ness, so as to become configured to Christ, Head and Shepherd, Servant and Spouse. 117. SEMINARY STAGES OF FORMATION 118.

170 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 89, quoting Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 57.