Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

430 PPF

Seminaries

the effectiveness of community life and learning. It will normally result in poor stewardship of resources and may affect the morale of the seminary community. Careful monitoring of the enrollment of qualified seminarians is critical for realistic planning. In those seminaries where enrollment has been consistently low for a protracted period, consolidation into regional or interdiocesan seminaries should be investigated. A seminary must have sufficient financial resources to achieve its mission effectively, both now and in the future. The raising of annual operating income as well as endowments 490 should be planned and developed in such a way as to allow the rector to fulfill his essential role as pastor of the seminary community. 491 STRUCTURE The structure of the seminary community depends on the nature, size, model, and level of the priestly formation program. It is important that seminary structures and the responsibilities of the various members of the seminary community be clearly defined in light of the mission of the seminary. Descriptions given here should be adapted to each program. Leadership Principles of the Seminary Community All seminary leaders should be conscious that they are forming semi narians and modeling for them pastoral leadership and collaboration within a community. The exercise of authority should be clearly seen as service. Leadership is always relational: a. It values the life and potential of each member of the community. b. It nurtures and challenges growth in members of the com munity in accord with the Gospel and the Tradition of the Church.

428

429

430

490 See CIC, c. 264; CCEO, c. 341. 491 See CIC, c. 262; CCEO, c. 336 §2.

197