Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

Norms for Admission into a Formation Program Dioceses, along with other ecclesiastical entities, as well as seminaries must have clear written statements of admission policies, including thresholds, which are to be regularly reviewed and updated. These policies include behavioral criteria that place on applicants the burden of qualification for admission to a priestly formation program. In cases of doubt, caution should be taken and the benefit of the doubt given to the Church. It is also important that the seminary admission procedure carefully weigh the potential impact of the admission of each individual on the whole seminary community. A formation program is not the place for long-term therapy or remedial work, which should be completed prior to a decision concerning admission. 106 If during the admission process or during the propaedeutic stage it is determined that long-term or intensive therapy or remedial work is necessary, this work should be completed prior to beginning the propaedeutic stage or the discipleship stage, respectively. Applicants must give evidence of an overall personal balance, good moral character, a love for the truth, and proper motivation. This evidence includes the requisite human, moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and psychological qualities for priestly ministry. 107 All applicants should give witness to their conviction that God has brought them to the formation program to discern whether they are really called to the priesthood; and they should commit themselves wholeheartedly to carrying out that discernment, demonstrate dedication to the formation program, and exhibit appropriate respect 106 Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood , no. 8. 107 See CIC, c. 241 §1; CCEO, c. 342 §1. Regarding psychological assessments see Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood ; Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions ; and Ratio Fundamentalis , nos. 191-196. Regarding persons with homosexual tendencies, see Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with Regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in View of Their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders (2005) and also Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 199. Regarding physical health see Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 190.

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