Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

205 PPF

Human Dimension

to make such a gift. The capacity to be fostered is the affective ability to engage in pastoral leadership with Jesus as the model Shepherd. 260

This program must have a clear focus on the ordained priesthood as a vocation that brings the seminarians to full human and spiritual potential through love of God and service of others. Through conferences offered by the rector and others and through other formation activities, as well as by the theology taught in the academic program, the seminary should make explicit the Church’s doctrinal understanding of the ministerial priesthood on which its programs are based. The Goals of Human Formation The qualities to be fostered in a human formation program are freedom, openness, honesty, flexibility, empathy, joy and inner peace, generosity and justice, chastity, personal maturity, interpersonal skills, common sense, aptitude for ministry, and growth “in moral integrity and public witness.” 261 Following St. Thomas Aquinas, human formation should be understood as education in the human virtues perfected by charity. Seminarians should give evidence of having interiorized their seminary formation. Growth in self-awareness and a sound personal identity are the hallmarks of a healthy personality that establishes a secure basis for the spiritual life. Such growth may be demonstrated by sound prudential judgment, a sense of responsibility and personal initiative, a capacity for courageous and decisive leadership, an ability to establish and maintain wholesome friendships, and an ability to work in a collaborative, professional manner with women

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260 See ATS, Degree Program Standards , A 2.4.2. See CCEO, c. 346 §2, 8°: “Let them also esteem and cultivate those virtues that are most valued by people and commend the minister of Christ, among which are sincerity, a keen concern for justice, a spirit of poverty, fidelity to one’s promises, good manners, modesty in conversation joined with charity.” 261 ATS, Degree Program Standards , A 2.4.

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