Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 272

Intellectual Dimension

For international seminarians, English-language study (for those for whom English is not the primary language) and an acculturation program should be completed prior to beginning the propaedeutic stage. Continued study of English and acculturation during the propaedeutic stage is also vital. It is helpful, and sometimes necessary, that spiritual direction and some human formation during this stage be provided in the first or primary language of the seminarian to allow for adequate vocational discernment. 339 Propaedeutic Stage Benchmarks Gaining an initial understanding of Christian doctrine and anthropology as well as an initial familiarity of the Bible in its various parts are benchmarks that should be reached prior to embarking on philosophical studies in the discipleship stage. 340 Benchmarks related to intellectual formation in preparation for the study of philosophy and theology include basic habits of study, signs of intellectual curiosity, and love of learning. Finally, if necessary, the propaedeutic stage can help to make up for anything that is missing in a seminarian’s general education. 341 THE DISCIPLESHIP STAGE A great number of seminarians enter the discipleship stage with a wealth of education and practical experience, yet many younger men enter discipleship stage with minimal or no higher education. The seminary intellectual program must meet the various needs of these men. All men in the discipleship stage must receive philosophical formation to train their minds in right reason and prepare them to study theology. In addition, as future pastors and leaders, these seminarians need to be broadly educated in order to develop as Christian men and engage with society. Thus, the discipleship stage envisions benchmarks for

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339 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 27. 340 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 157. 341 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 59.

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