Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 408

Seminaries INTRODUCTION

Seminaries are to be a continuation in the Church of the apostolic community gathered around Jesus. 477 This basic organizing principle means the seminary is first and foremost a learning community of the disciples of Jesus, that is, “a community of formation, wherever it is found.” 478 At the same time, the seminary is a community of charity and friendship, where fraternal bonds are anchored in genuine relationships to the Lord and his Body, the Church. Finally, the seminary is a worshiping and praying community that finds its source and summit in the celebration of the Eucharist. GOVERNANCE Governance is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop or major superior. 479 To fulfill this responsibility, the diocesan bishop or major superior works in collaboration with the seminary board or boards and with others the bishop or major superior may delegate. The governing authority establishes the mission and exercises general oversight of the seminary; and it appoints the rector of the seminary, who remains in close collaboration with the board of the seminary regarding governance. The seminary should have a precise program “characterized by its being organized and unified, [and] by its being in harmony or correspondence with one aim which justifies the existence of the seminary: preparation of future priests.” 480 In their efforts to “organize and unify,” diocesan bishops and major superiors, for their respective seminaries, ensure that the directives of the Holy See and the USCCB are fully and effectively implemented 477 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 60. 478 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 188. 479 In the case of an interdiocesan seminary, the governance pertains to the bishops involved (see CIC, cc. 243, 259, 263). However, one of the bishops may be designated the moderator of the group. 480 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 61.

406

407

408

191