Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

98 PPF

Seminary Formation: Those Who Accompany Seminarians

every seminarian according to the plan of the Father, both through the presence of Christ in His word, in the sacraments and in the brothers and sisters of the community, and through the many actions of the Holy Spirit.” 142 In his docility to the Holy Spirit and the program of initial formation, “each seminarian is the protagonist of his own formation.” 143 He is ultimately responsible for his ongoing growth in the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of his formation. The Diocesan Bishop “It is the Bishop who is primarily responsible for admission to the Seminary and formation for the priesthood.” 144 This is expressed in his choice of rector and members of the community of formators, as well as his approval of the seminary Rule of Life. In addition to his administrative responsibilities concerning the seminary, the bishop should “establish a trustful dialogue with seminarians, so as to enable them to be sincere and open.” 145 For this to occur, it is important that bishops spend regular time with seminarians, both in one-on one meetings and in visits to the seminary. 146 The presbyterate, in communion with the diocesan bishop, can serve as companions in helping men to attain formation benchmarks. The Rector The rector, because of his responsibility for the formation program as a whole, must take an active part in the accompaniment of seminarians. The rector is “to be a priest distinguished by prudence, wisdom and balance, someone highly competent,” 147 who is seen as the father of the entire seminary community. It is the rector who sets the tone for the seminary—a tone which must be characterized by

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142 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 125. 143 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 130. 144 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 128. 145 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 128.

146 See CIC, cc. 259 §2, 396-397, 628; CCEO, cc. 205, 356 §2, 420. Similarly, the competent author ity of the ecclesiastical entity should foster and promote the vocations of his men preparing for priesthood. 147 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 134.

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