Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 288

Program of Priestly Formation

seminarians’ academic and pastoral background as a preparation for the study of philosophy and theology.

Seminarians from the mainstream culture of the United States whose native language is English continue the intercultural competency training received during the propaedeutic stage into the discipleship stage, including the continued study of another language to meet the pastoral needs of the ecclesiastical entity. Discipleship Stage Benchmarks His study of philosophy helps the seminarian to learn the first truths of the natural order, deepens his understanding of the human person, and gives him the framework upon which to build once he concentrates on the study of theology during the configuration stage. Philosophical insights, language, and concepts will enable him to engage with the pastoral reality of the people he is called to serve. During the discipleship stage, it is important that the seminarian begins to learn how to articulate the Christian understanding of the Creator and his creation, especially the human person, and understands how this differs from the ideologies that have shaped popular conceptions of the human person, the world, and its Creator. As a result of his studies during this stage of formation, the seminarian has the ability to understand the issues surrounding the intersection of faith and modern science, as well as the ability to articulate how faith and science can support one another. 360 In addition to manifesting sufficient philosophical competence for the later study of theology in the configuration stage, the seminarian at the completion of the discipleship stage is also able to demonstrate a working knowledge of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church . Given the multicultural 360 Given the complex nature of the issues surrounding the human person and the intersection of faith and science, as well as other matters, seminaries will benefit from sharing ideas at a national level through organizations such as the National Association of College Seminaries and the National Association of Catholic Theological Schools.

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