Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

76 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

evidence is lacking, the seminary must not recommend the advancement of a seminarian. 225 Seminarians who lack the positive qualities for continuing in formation should not be advanced in the seminary program. They should be advised to leave the seminary. In these cases an opportunity should be provided for the seminarian to present his self-assessment, including the possibility of others who can speak on his behalf. Seminarians not recom mended for advancement should be notified as early as possible and in a constructive manner. When there is doubt about the readiness of a seminarian for advancement, consideration can be given to a recommendation of a period of probation outside the seminary. The time period involved should be specified, not open-ended. The period of probation should have clearly identified goals and means to assess the achievement of goals. Likewise, appropriate supervision is necessary so that this period away from the seminary might bring about needed growth for the seminarian’s possible return to the seminary. If doubts remain after this period, the seminarian should not continue in formation. Houses of formation should maintain appropriate collaborative relationships with the administration and professors of universities and colleges to aid in the evaluation of their seminarians. 178. 179. 180.

225 Regarding moral certitude, “the fundamental principle in this matter consists in the fact that the compe tent authority must issue the official call in the name of the Church on the basis of a moral certitude that is founded upon positive reasons regarding the suitability of the candidate (c. 1052, §1, with c. 1025, §§1-2, and c. 1029).” Further, “Although the call [to Holy Orders] is a canonical act which pertains to a personal authority it is clear that such an authority ought not proceed merely on the basis of his convic tions or intuitions, but should give a hearing to the opinion of persons and councils and not depart from these except on the strength of well-founded reasons (c. 127, §2, 2°).” Scrutinies , nos. 2-3.