Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Intellectual Dimension

instruction.” 359 From the beginning, students should learn to relate theology to the larger mission of the Church in the public sphere. Discipleship stage study is intended as preparation for further study of theology in the configuration stage, not as a replacement for it. Besides philosophical and theological studies for the intellectual dimension of discipleship stage, formation should provide seminarians with an understanding of the historical and cultural context of their faith. Men who have more extensive prior education but who might not have a full, systematic liberal arts formation should be provided a curriculum that supplies for lacunae in this area. The Catholic intellectual tradition (e.g., literature and the arts) should be a part of such a curriculum. In addition, education in rhetoric and communications as well as language study is appropriate. Latin and Greek are especially important, since competence in these languages is necessary for graduate theological studies. The study of Spanish or other pastoral languages should be included in the course of studies throughout the period of priestly formation, including the discipleship stage. Cultural Preparation Programs As stated earlier in the propaedeutic stage, international seminarians should complete an acculturation program and receive adequate instruction in the English language (if English is not their primary language), often in an ESL (English as a second language) program of study, prior to beginning the propaedeutic stage. Regional accrediting agencies require adequate proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). In addition to the study of US history and culture and of the English language, these programs may also supplement the

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359 St. John Paul II, Laetamur Magnopere ( In which the Latin Typical Edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Is Approved and Promulgated ), in Catechism of the Catholic Church .

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