Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 195

Human Dimension

and growth in the human virtues, informed and perfected by charity. “This process of formation is intended to educate the person in the truth of his being, in freedom and in self-control. It is meant to over come all kinds of individualism, and to foster the sincere gift of self, opening him to generous dedication to others.” 255 During the discipleship stage, the seminarian continues to learn how to integrate his own self-awareness into a desire to grow in affective maturity as he relates to others in the seminary community. Self awareness can lead to self-acceptance, self-possession, and eventually to self-gift, as seen in his relational skills. In addition to demonstrating appropriate boundaries, by the end of this stage he will have the ability to self-reflect on and communicate appropriately emotions surrounding conflict and stress; he exhibits deepening friendships with other seminarians and manifests growth in the virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. He demonstrates growth in the admirable human qualities of humility, chastity, constancy, sincerity, patience, good manners, truthfulness, keeping his word, gratitude, affability, liberality, meekness, magna nimity, and perseverance. He exhibits racial sensitivity in his words and actions. Regarding self-discipline, he develops the tools to manage stress and maintain balance in his life, as well as the ability to use freedom with prudence and discretion. He has greater awareness of the dynamics of his family of origin, and he shares that knowledge appropriately. He exhibits growing transparency with his formators, an openness to formation, and accountability regarding seminary expectations.

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255 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 63.

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