Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

8 PPF

Program of Priestly Formation

A Brief Note on Terminology: When the term “ecclesiastical entity” is used in this document, it refers to the diocese or eparchy, personal ordinariate, institute of consecrated life, or society of apostolic life for which a seminarian is preparing for ordained ministry in the Church in the United States. At the same time, each seminary, with the approval of the diocesan bishop or the bishops concerned, or of the competent authority of an institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life as the case may be, is to develop, articulate, and implement its own particular program in conformity with the Program of Priestly Formation. The term “discerner” refers to a man who has not yet entered the propaedeutic stage and is in the process of discerning entry into the first stage of initial priestly formation. The term “seminarian” refers to a man who has been accepted into a seminary formation program. The term “candidate” refers to a seminarian who has received the Rite of Candidacy. The term “professor” refers to anyone who teaches courses, clergy and laity. The term “specialist” refers to a member of the formative community who is engaged in a specialized field (e.g., psychologist, counselor, librarian, business manager, and so on). The term “formative community” refers broadly to the larger community within the Church that is involved in varied ways in the discernment and initial formation of men preparing for the priesthood. It refers to the bishop and his priests and collaborators in the diocese and to all members of the seminary community, including priest formators, professors, specialists, other seminary staff, and above all, the seminarians themselves. It also refers to those engaged with the seminarian in his pastoral placements. Finally, it includes his family, parish, and others who are involved in his vocational journey. For members of an institute of consecrated life or a society of apostolic life, the term “formative community” includes members of his institute or society. The term “seminary community” is narrower in 8

8