Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 409

Program of Priestly Formation

through the mission, goals, and programs of the seminary; through long-range planning; through the appointment of the rector; and through seminary policies. In keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, the governing authority does not normally enter directly into the day-to-day operation of the seminary, since such duties are the responsibility of the rector. 481 The Role of the Diocesan Bishop or Major Superior The diocesan bishop or the major superior oversees the implementation of the Decree on the Training of Priests and this Program of Priestly Formation , and he ensures that the seminary statutes correspond to Canon Law. The diocesan bishop or major superior discharges these responsibilities personally and through the seminary board(s), the rector, and the rest of the seminary community. He is to visit the seminary regularly and exercise vigilance over it and the formation of his seminarians. A relationship of trust between the diocesan bishop or major superior and the rector will help to ensure that the bishop or major superior does not “undermine the Rector and other formators in the discernment of the vocations of the candidates and their adequate preparation.” 482 He should encourage and support the rector and the rest of the seminary community in their dedication to this apostolate. 483 Bishops and major superiors are encouraged to be generous in offering priests to serve in seminaries who exemplify the qualities that seminarians would be well-suited to emulate. The diocesan bishop or major superior ensures that the seminary offers a program in accord with the mind of the Church—including an approved written Rule of Life.

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481 See CIC, c. 260. 482 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 128. 483 See CIC, c. 259 §2; CCEO, cc. 336 §1, 356 §2.

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