Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 442

Seminaries

though he may delegate these tasks to others. Although these duties may call him away from the seminary, it is important that the rector serve as leader of the internal life of the seminary both as pastor and priestly model. The spiritual and personal welfare of the seminary community is a central responsibility of the rector. Regularly, the rector should give conferences to the seminary community. He should frequently preside at prayer and at the Eucharist. He is not to hear the sacramental confessions of students residing in the same house unless a student freely requests it in particular cases. 502 The rector is to be carefully prepared “in sound doctrine, suitable pastoral experience and special training in spirituality and teaching methods.” 503 The rector should be a model of priestly virtue, able to live himself the qualities he encourages in seminarians. A man of sound and prudent judgment, the rector should give evidence to a love of and dedication to the Church’s service. Depending on the size and structure of the seminary, the rector may also assume some of the responsibilities of other roles mentioned in this chapter, with the exception of the spiritual direction of seminarians. Vice Rector The vice rector, always a priest, assists the rector in areas determined by the rector and by the seminary’s administrative structure. Tasks vary according to the needs of the particular seminary. 504 He must “show strong pedagogical gifts, a joyful love of the service he renders and a spirit of collaboration.” 505 502 See CIC, c. 985. 503 Optatam Totius , no. 5. 504 See CIC, c. 239 §1. 505 Congregation for Catholic Education, “Directives Concerning the Preparation of Seminary Educators,” Origins 23:32 (January 27, 1994): no. 45. See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 135.

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