Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 324

Intellectual Dimension

The academic curriculum as a whole should have a discernible and coherent unity.

318

The curriculum must reflect the specialized nature of priestly formation and assist seminarians in developing a clear understanding of the ministerial priesthood. Due consideration should be given to the pastoral aim of theological formation. Theological studies should be designed with the pastoral goal in view, recognizing that the pastoral character of priestly formation applies to intellectual formation as well as to the other areas of formation. 383 The core should include fundamental theology: the basis of the rational procedure of all theology and thus the introduction to the study of theology. 384 The various theological disciplines should recognize Sacred Scripture as foundational: as the point of departure from and as the soul of all theology. 385 In Sacred Scripture, the core should include the study of the Pentateuch; the historical, prophetic, and wisdom (especially the Psalms) books of the Old Testament; the Synoptic Gospels and Acts; Pauline and Johannine literature; and the Catholic epistles. The proper understanding of Sacred Scripture requires cultivation of a double awareness. On the one hand, “the books of the Old and New Testaments, whole and entire, . . . written under the inspiration 383 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , nos. 55, 57. 384 See Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, The Theological Formation of Future Priests (1976), nos. 107-113. 385 See Dei Verbum , no. 24; Catechism of the Catholic Church , no. 113; CIC, c. 252 §2; CCEO, c. 350 §2; Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, The Theological Formation of Future Priests , no. 79.

319

320

321

322

323

324

155