Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

SEMINARY FORMATION: STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS | 65

by formators from the seminary. For example, the deacons could gather at the seminary monthly, once every two months, or quarterly for days of prayer, group reflection, and fraternity in order to process the experi ence of diaconal ministry and engage in sacramental and pastoral prac tica. Whatever role the seminary may play, a substantial majority of the deacon’s time should be spent engaged in ministry in his diocese, institute, or society. Virtual technology could also be used by the seminary to assist in this accompaniment. The minimum duration of the vocational synthesis stage is six months of residence and diaconal ministry in the diocese, institute, or society. This stage always takes place after the completion of the configu ration stage (i.e., the stages are never concurrent). A seminarian petitions for diaconate ordination at the conclusion of the configuration stage or during the vocational synthesis stage. 195 Because the mission of the diaconate is oriented toward ministry, rather than academic study, it would be optimal for the seminarian to complete the equivalent of four years of theological studies before peti tioning to receive diaconal ordination. 196 Having completed all of his academic requirements, a man can peacefully turn his attention toward diaconal and priestly ministry. With the foregoing in mind, the following are three flexible models regarding the vocational synthesis stage that meet the require ments of the Ratio Fundamentalis and are adapted to the realities of priestly formation in the United States. a. Model A . Configuration stage lasting four years: diaconate ordi nation upon successful completion of the configuration stage (including four full years of theological studies), and vocational 144. 145. 146. 147.

195 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 73. Although CIC, c. 1032 §1, says that “those aspiring to the presbyterate can be promoted to the diaconate only after they have completed the fifth year of the curriculum of philosophical and theological studies,” it does not mandate this practice; CIC specifies the minimum amount of time prior to diaconate ordination. The Ratio Fundamentalis specifies that a man may not petition for orders until the completion of the configuration stage. 196 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 73.