Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

world of objects, which ironically seem to possess us. In a consumer society, a right attitude toward the world and earthly goods is easily lost. That is why a seminarian has to be helped to cultivate personal self-discipline and asceticism. It is an important pastoral obligation of all priests who accompany people through the journey of life to acquire a sound and balanced perspective about earthly goods and possessions so that they can impart right attitudes to others. 268 The seminary should foster simplicity of life. Such an attitude does not disparage the world but sees it in light of freedom and service. Priests are able to understand correctly “that the Church’s mission is carried out in the midst of the world and that created goods are absolutely necessary for man’s personal progress.” 269 They can also better appreciate that when the passion for acquisition and possession is curbed, the human capacity for appreciation and enjoyment of the world often is enhanced. Preparation for Obedience The seminary should articulate appropriate behaviors that manifest a healthy understanding of obedience. The exercise of authority and the response of obedience are works of grace, goodwill, and human effort that play a part in the life of every priest. Seminarians should appreciate and integrate the necessary role that authority and organization play in achieving and maintaining any community’s goals and purposes, as well as recognize the theological and spiritual dimension of reverence and obedience in the Catholic Church. Belief with divine and Catholic faith is owed to Divine Revelation, as given by God and proposed by the Church. 270 Doctrine concerning faith or morals, proposed definitively by the Holy Father or the college

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268 “Already being used to sacrificing willingly and generously what is not needed, they . . . [can] become sincere and credible promoters of true social justice.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 111. 269 Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 17. 270 See CIC, c. 750 §1; CCEO, c. 598 §1; St. John Paul II, Ad Tuendam Fidem (1990).

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