Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 358

Program of Priestly Formation

Throughout the curriculum, the biblical, theological, ethical, and historical foundations of the Church’s teaching on social justice should be included. 427 Seminarians must receive an introduction to the principles, methods, and skills of catechesis and teaching. 428 Teaching opportunities may be offered as a part of field education and pastoral placements. In addition, seminarians should be given a doctrinal understanding of popular piety to teach them “to distinguish what belongs to the inculturation of the Gospel and constitutes a real treasure for the Church.” 429 In the United States, the first professional degree, a master of divinity, is the recognized standard for preparation of students for ordained ministry across the broad spectrum of institutions of graduate theological education. Its curriculum incorporates the requirements of the Program of Priestly Formation . Seminaries in the United States may offer a master of arts degree in theology to provide a deeper understanding of the theological disciplines for general educational purposes or for further graduate study. In addition, seminaries may also offer the ecclesiastical degrees of bachelor of sacred theology (STB) and the licentiate in sacred theology (STL) either by affiliating with an ecclesiastical faculty or by special arrangement with the Congregation for Catholic Education. Seminaries should have degree programs certified by appropriate accrediting agencies. Seminarians should not be excused from pursuing such degrees except for serious reasons. A seminarian is normally expected to obtain the master of divinity and/or the STB degree prior to ordination.

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427 See Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church . 428 See CIC, cc. 528, 773, 776-777. 429 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 179.

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