Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 273

Program of Priestly Formation

intellectual formation with two aspects: a broad grasp of the liberal arts and sciences, and particular knowledge of philosophy. Seminarians who enter the discipleship stage in possession of a broader intellectual formation (for example, with an undergraduate degree or more extensive education) may have already met the benchmarks for the liberal arts and sciences and will not need formation in this aspect but will focus on philosophy. Seminarians beginning the discipleship stage with minimal education beyond secondary school will need to pursue a liberal arts education as well as philosophical studies and should achieve a baccalaureate degree before beginning the configuration stage. The discipleship stage program promotes intellectual excellence and takes necessary steps to help seminarians to achieve it. Men who enter seminary without a substantial liberal arts education follow a twofold course of intellectual formation. They first pursue the liberal arts, through which they acquire a sense of the great human questions and the responses to them presented in the arts and sciences. Then they also synthesize and organize their study of the liberal arts through the study of philosophy, which also serves as a preparation for the study of theology. Liberal Arts A sound liberal arts education for seminarians provides multiple benefits. The study of the natural world and of humanity in all its historical and cultural diversity represents a significant value in its own right. Such an education encourages intellectual curiosity, promotes critical thought, and fosters disciplined habits of study, but above all it aims to hand on the truths about God and his creation that are the foundation of civilization. A liberal arts education also teaches seminarians to communicate with others in a clear and effective way.

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