Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

SEMINARY FORMATION: STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS | 75

about being inducted into the pastoral life, with a gradual assumption of responsibilities in a spirit of service; on the other hand it is about making a suitable preparation, with the help of a specific accompaniment, in view of priesthood.” 222 There is to be an interval of at least six months between a seminarian’s ordination to the diaconate and his ordination to the priest hood (CIC, c. 1031 §1). He is to be at least twenty-five years of age and possess sufficient maturity (CIC, c. 1031 §1; CCEO, c. 759 §1). He is to have completed six years of philosophy and theology (CIC, c. 1032 §2; CCEO, c. 760 §2) and is to be able to articulate the theology and expectations of the priesthood (CIC, c. 1028). He is to petition his dioc esan bishop or major superior in writing to be ordained, expressing his free intention and permanent commitment (CIC, c. 1036; CCEO, c. 761). The vocation director, the pastor of the parish where the deacon is assigned, or the bishop’s or religious superior’s delegated priest formator is to certify to the diocesan bishop or major superior that all these requirements have been met (CIC, c. 1050, 1°; CCEO, c. 769, 3°). The vocation director, the pastor of the parish where the deacon is assigned, or the bishop’s or reli gious superior’s delegated priest formator verifies that the candidate for the priesthood is ready to assume the teaching, sanctifying, and governing mission of Christ. Furthermore, he should demonstrate pastoral love for others and faithful obedience, in conformity with Christ. 223 Prior to ordi nation to the priesthood, the candidate is to make a canonical retreat (CIC, c. 1039; CCEO, c. 772) and take the Oath of Fidelity. 224 The final judgment about a seminarian’s admission to candidacy (or perpetual profession, for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life), institution into the ministries of lector and acolyte, and ordination to the diaconate and priesthood belongs to the diocesan bishop or major superior. He must issue his official call in the name of the Church on the basis of a moral certitude that is founded upon positive evidence proving the suitability of a candidate for Holy Orders (CIC, cc. 1052 §1, 1025 §§1-2, and 1029; CCEO, c. 770). The seminary’s evaluations are important in providing this evidence. If such positive 177.

222 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 74. 223 The diocesan bishop or competent superior may make use of a formation commission, consisting, for example, of the vocation director, the vicar for clergy, other priests, religious, and laity. This commission could provide discernment regarding readiness for priestly ordination at the conclusion of the vocational synthesis stage. The commission should ordinarily proceed by consensus, but the final recommendation to the diocesan bishop or religious superior belongs to the vocation director. 224 See Scrutinies , Enclosure IV .