Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 343

Program of Priestly Formation

other sacraments, with particular attention given to the practicum for the Sacrament of Penance. Seminarians should be introduced to the official liturgical books used by the clergy and to the Church’s directives for music, art, and architecture. 409 Knowledge of sacred art and music should be integrated into liturgical formations so that it “will contribute to the overall formation of seminarians, and provide them with another resource in view of evangelization and pastoral endeavor.” 410 Homiletics should occupy a prominent place in the core curriculum and should be integrated into the entire course of studies. In addition to the principles of biblical interpretation, catechesis, and communications theory, seminarians should also learn the practical skills needed to communicate the Gospel as proclaimed by the Church in an effective and appropriate manner. Seminarians should be taught that “through the course of the liturgical year the homily sets forth the mysteries of faith and the standards of the Christian life on the basis of the sacred text.” 411 While the homily is reserved to a priest or deacon, 412 seminarians should be afforded opportunities to preach outside of Mass and receive proper assessment. Examples of these opportunities could include seminarians giving reflections in their pastoral assignments to parish groups like youth groups or fraternal organizations, as well as offering meditations at communal devotions. 413 Where appropriate, seminarians should be able to demonstrate a capacity for bilingual preaching. The core curriculum should include an introductory course in ecumenism that treats of the Catholic Church’s commitment to 409 See Ecclesia de Eucharistia , no. 5; General Instruction of the Roman Missal , nos. 5-6. 410 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 181. 411 Praenotanda of the Lectionary for the Mass (1981), no. 24. 412 CIC, c. 767 §1; CCEO, c. 614 §4. The 1997 interdicastery document Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priest , §1, states, “The practice, on some occasions, of entrusting the preaching of the homily to seminarians or theology students who are not clerics is not permitted. Indeed, the homily should not be regarded as a training for some future ministry” ( www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/documents/ rc_con_interdic_doc_15081997_en.html ). 413 See CIC, c. 766; USCCB, “Complementary Norms, Canon 766 - Lay Preaching” (2002).

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