Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 370

Program of Priestly Formation

opportunity for personal synthesis, the clarification of motivations, and the development of directions for life and ministry. And the final step, of course, is in fact to return to the ministry or pastoral situation, but now with more knowledge and ability and a better inner sense of direction because of an enriched spiritual life and a more deeply grounded sense of priestly identity. It is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop, the major superior, and the rectors to ensure that the Catholic, sacramental dimension of pastoral care is integral to all such programs in which seminarians participate. i. Cultural sensitivity : Pastoral formation must flow from and move toward an appreciation of the multifaceted reality of the Church. 449 In the United States, this means a genuine appreciation of the diversity that marks the Catholic Church as well as the diversity that typifies this society generally. Seminarians need exposure to the many cultures and languages that belong to the Catholic Church in the United States. They should know how to welcome migrants and refugees pastorally, liturgically, and culturally. Simultaneously, they should assist newcomers to adapt themselves into the mainstream without losing their own identity. 450 Seminaries that serve ecclesiastical entities that have a constant flux of immigrants should ensure that seminarians take courses and receive pastoral experience that can help them to hone applicable ministerial skills to serve immigrants. j. Religious pluralism : Seminarians also need to know, appreciate, and learn how to work within the ecumenical and interfaith context that forms a backdrop for life in the United States and for the Catholic Church in this nation. k. The poor : If seminarians are to be formed after the model of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came “to bring glad tidings to the poor,” then they must have sustained contact with those who are privileged in God’s eyes—the poor, the marginalized, the sick, 449 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 59. 450 See Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Erga Migrantes ( Instruction on the Love of Christ Towards Migrants , 2004). The propaedeutic stage section lists resources for formation in cultural sensitivity and intercultural competency.

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