Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Seminaries

It is essential that frequent and open communication be maintained among ecclesiastical authorities, the rector, and the rest of the sem inary community to discuss the changing needs of the Church, the progress of seminarians, and developments in the seminary program. At times, seminarians for the diocesan priesthood may attend seminaries owned and operated by institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life and not by a diocese. In such instances, the local diocesan bishop has canonical responsibility for the welfare of all diocesan seminarians in attendance there. 484 Accordingly, he should be in regular communication with the seminary rector and be accorded a voice in the governance of the seminary. The formation of seminarians preparing for the priesthood in institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life is the responsibility of each institute or society and is regulated by the constitutions and other canonical legislation or directives pertaining to them, as well as by the directives of this Program of Priestly Formation. Most seminaries sponsored by some form of consecrated life are collaborative ventures of several religious institutes or societies. Responsibility for the canonical form of governance belongs to those who hold ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The statutes of such institutions must be approved by the competent authority. The Holy See must approve priestly formation centers formed by a number of religious institutes or societies. Seminary Boards A variety of structures is legitimately used in the governance of seminaries in the United States. In situations with multiple boards, the bylaws of each should establish the clear jurisdiction and purpose

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484 See USCCB Committee on Priestly Formation, Relationship of the Local Ordinary (Bishop) to the Seminary Owned and Operated by Religious (1981).

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