Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

A seminarian can earn college credit for some of his general studies during the propaedeutic stage. Such coursework should not exceed nine credit hours per semester, so that the stage’s goals and objectives will be accomplished. Classes proper to the propaedeutic stage’s intellectual formation (e.g., biblical literacy, catechesis, prayer and spirituality) must compose the bulk of the intellectual formation of this stage and can be taken for credit. 182 Philosophical studies must not begin until the discipleship stage. Care must be taken that the number of courses does not lay an excessive burden on the man, which could compromise the integrity of the goals and objectives of the propaedeutic stage. The propaedeutic stage allows for flexibility in accord with the principles of the Ratio Fundamentalis , adapted to particular needs of seminarians and ecclesiastical entities. The following are options or models to consider. 183 a. For men entering the seminary with college degrees: the propaedeutic stage should last a minimum of one calendar year followed by a discipleship stage of no less than two years. b. For men entering the seminary who lack undergraduate degrees, there are three proposed models: i. First, a propaedeutic stage of one year followed by a discipleship stage of three to four years. ii. Second, a propaedeutic stage of two years followed by a discipleship stage of two to three years. iii. Third, a propaedeutic stage of three years followed by a discipleship stage of two to three years. This third model for men entering the seminary who lack undergraduate degrees presumes two years of full-time academic studies of a general nature (without philosophical studies, which are restricted 182 See intellectual formation chapter in this document (nos. 260-364). 183 While a diocesan bishop or major superior may decide initially to observe one of the models indi cated, time may reveal that a shift to another of the models would be more beneficial for the seminar ian as well as the seminary.

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