Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

and acolyte (Latin Church) 217 or lower orders (Eastern Catholic Churches). 218 The proper documentation must be collected for the scrutiny for each stage. The procedures and documentation required prior to ordination to the diaconate and to the priesthood are to be completed. 219 Seminarians must have exercised the ministries of lector and acolyte (Latin Church) or lower orders (Eastern Catholic Churches) for a suitable period of time before ordination to the diaconate (CIC, c. 1035 §1; CCEO, c. 758 §1, 5°). There is to be an interval of at least six months between the conferral of the ministry of acolyte (Latin Church) and ordination to the diaconate (CIC, c. 1035 §2). Prior to ordination to the diaconate, the candidate is to make a canonical retreat (CIC, c. 1039; CCEO, c. 772), take the Oath of Fidelity, 220 and make the Profession of Faith (CIC, c. 833, 6°). The candidate is to be at least twenty-three years of age (CIC, c. 1031 §1; CCEO, c. 759). He is to have completed at least five years of philosophy and theology (CIC, c. 1032 §1; CCEO, c. 760); is to have received candidacy, except for vowed members of clerical institutes (CIC, c. 1034); is to be able to articulate the theology and expectations of the diaconate (CIC, c. 1028); and in writing is to petition his diocesan bishop or major superior to be ordained, expressing his free intention and permanent commitment (CIC, cc. 1034 §1, 1036; CCEO, c. 761). The seminary is to certify to the diocesan bishop or major superior that all these requirements have been met (CIC, c. 1050, 1°; CCEO, c. 769, §1 1°). The rector verifies that the candidate for the diaconate accepts the teachings of the Church, prays the complete Liturgy of the Hours (or the Divine Praises, for the Eastern Catholic Churches), attends daily Mass, receives the Sacrament of Penance regularly, and is committed to a life of celibacy. 217 See CIC, cc. 1034-1035; St. Paul VI, apostolic letters given Motu Proprio : Ministeria Quaedam and Ad Pascendum (August 15, 1972). 218 See CCEO, c. 758 §1, 5°. 219 See CIC, cc. 1050-1052; CCEO, cc. 769-770. 220 See Acta Apostolicae Sedis (AAS) 81 (1989): 104-106.

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