Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 342

Intellectual Dimension

not limited to the Sacrament of Matrimony. Additional courses in Canon Law, particularly on books II (“The People of God”), V (“The Temporal Goods of the Church”), and VI (“Penal Sanctions in the Church”) of the Code of Canon Law would assist seminarians in preparing for their pastoral ministry. There should also be a general introduction to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches , with emphasis on title II (cc. 27-41) regarding Churches sui iuris and rites and on title XVI, chap. 7 (cc. 776-866) on marriage, especially the divergences between the Latin and Eastern Codes in sacramental discipline. 405 Seminarians should learn how to make appropriate referrals for issues that are beyond their competence. Studies in spiritual theology and spiritual direction are to be included. Spiritual theology includes studies in the Catholic spiritual Tradition, provides practical directives for the Christian call to perfection, and proposes principles of discernment. This study should also explore the spirituality of various vocations, especially the priesthood and consecrated life. 406 Spiritual direction teaches the art of fostering the spiritual life of those entrusted to one’s care: “In view of the pastoral care of the faithful, formation in the discernment of spirits and in spiritual direction should receive attention as an integral part of priestly ministry.” 407

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In liturgy, the core should include studies in the theological, historical, spiritual, pastoral, and juridical aspects of liturgy. 408

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Seminarians must learn to celebrate the Church’s sacred rites according to the mind of the Church, without addition or subtraction. Liturgical practica should include the celebration of the Eucharist and the 405 See CIC, c. 256 §1; CCEO, c. 352 §§2-3; Congregation for Catholic Education, On the Teaching of Canon Law to Those Preparing to Be Priests (1975). 406 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 169. 407 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 178. 408 See Congregation for Catholic Education, Instruction on Liturgical Formation in Seminaries (1979).

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