Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

marriage, the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, and consecrated life. Catholic schools and parish religious education programs are supportive environments that foster intellectual curiosity and encourage the development of love of God and neighbor. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith, schools and programs provide an invaluable setting in which vocations to marriage, priesthood, and consecrated life can be nurtured. d. The diocesan bishop : “The first responsibility for the pastoral work of promoting priestly vocations lies with the bishop, who is called to be the first to exercise this responsibility even though he can and must call upon many others to cooperate with him.” 93 Although he shares his responsibility, the pastoral task of promoting priestly vocations remains his task, for which he must continue to offer supervision and direct involvement. 94 As the one responsible for the unity of the local Church and its communion with the Universal Church, the bishop, especially in the context of the United States, must encourage a wide range of men who represent the cultural and linguistic diversity of his ecclesiastical entity. e. The presbyterate : “The bishop can rely above all on the cooperation of his presbyterate. All its priests are united to him and share his responsibility in seeking and fostering priestly vocations.” 95 They do this by inviting men to consider the priesthood as a possible vocation. For those who are discerning the call, priests can nurture their sense of vocation and be invaluable mentors, accompanying them along the path of discernment. Through their priestly ministry, especially in parish assignments, priests are able to recognize the prayerfulness, the talents, and the character of men who may be called to priestly ministry. “At the same time the diligence of priests in carrying out their Eucharistic ministry, together with the conscious, active and fruitful participation of the faithful in the Eucharist, provides young men with a powerful example and

93

Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 41.

94 See CIC, cc. 233, 385; CCEO, cc. 195, 329 §1, 3°; Congregation for Bishops, Apostolorum Successores ( Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops , 2004), no. 91. 95 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 41.

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