Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 196

Program of Priestly Formation

The Church needs and deserves healthy priests. By the completion of the discipleship stage, the seminarian demonstrates discipline with his personal and communal horarium (e.g., having a regular bedtime and being on time to events) and is developing an exercise regimen or participating in some form of communal exercise. He has demonstrated growth in addressing any health concerns, such as unhealthy weight or unhealthy habits. 256 By the end of the discipleship stage, the seminarian is able to regulate his personal use of social media, gaming, and the internet, and he understands and practices healthy alternatives to the overuse of media. By the end of the discipleship stage, the seminarian will determine with firm resolve whether God is calling him to present himself for the priesthood. His transition to the configuration stage is marked by a level of self-knowledge that permits ongoing growth, especially in his relationships with others. God’s grace will then build upon a human nature that is more mature. CONFIGURATION STAGE BENCHMARKS The seminarian shows evidence of affective maturity in his ability to take direction from another in a healthy manner, especially from those in authority; he also exercises authority and leadership well among his peers. He demonstrates that he deals appropriately with conflict and stress. The completion of the configuration stage is marked by continued growth in interiority and communion; in other words, he demonstrates interior freedom, self-possession, self-motivation, direction, and the capacity for self-donation. The seminarian has internalized seminary expectations and is an example for younger seminarians. He demonstrates this, for example, in his willingness to volunteer for additional responsibilities in the seminary and in

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256 Some examples of unhealthy habits are the poor use of time; excessive engagement with social media, gaming, television, or other forms of entertainment; and lack of discipline regarding monetary spending habits.

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