Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

58 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

ecclesiastical entity will assist the seminarian in discerning his vocation. The propaedeutic stage should also offer an opportunity to develop “the dynamic of self-giving through experiences in the parish setting and char itable works.” 175 Another central goal of the propaedeutic stage is an intense and profound vocational discernment, undertaken within a community. 176 A first discernment was made during the admission process within the diocese by the bishop, pastor, and vocation director. The propaedeutic stage provides for a second discernment of the seminarian who is living a daily community life for at least twelve months. During this time, it should become clear whether he has the qualities and the maturity to integrate the four dimensions of priestly formation going forward. The propaedeutic stage should conclude with the seminarian’s making a firm resolution to dedicate himself to the work of priestly formation or, alternatively, “to follow a different path in life” as a faithful lay Catholic. 177 A decision to proceed to priestly formation must always be confirmed by the Church. Conferences that teach a man how to pray, especially scrip tural meditation and the art of lectio divina , are essential to the propae deutic stage. Time for silence, mental prayer, and spiritual reading will help to lay a solid foundation for future stages of formation and ongoing formation. It is encouraged that men in this stage experience retreats that focus on an ability to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit, an opportunity to develop a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, and voca tional discernment. 122. 123.

124.

The propaedeutic stage must always be the first of the four stages

of initial formation. 178

125. The propaedeutic stage is “not to be less than one year or more than two”; 179 the minimum one-year duration of the propaedeutic stage is twelve calendar months (not an academic year). A third year is permissible provided that the overall character of the stage is preserved throughout. A three-year propaedeutic stage presumes two years of full-time academic

175 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 59. 176 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 60. 177 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 59. 178 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 59. 179 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 59.