Spiritual Formation
“The spirituality cultivated in the seminary is specifically priestly” (PPF #109) which encourages the seminarians to grow continuously in their personal relationship with Christ and in their ecclesial commitment.
Goal
The final goal of spiritual formation in the seminary is to establish attitudes, habits, and practices in the spiritual life that will continue after ordination. Spiritual formation in the seminary is meant to set the foundation for a lifetime of priestly ministry and spirituality. Means
The means to attaining an ongoing maturity in the seminarian’s spiritual life include the following: active and consistent participation in the prayer of the Church, especially the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Sacrament of Penance; the annual general retreat and special retreats; monthly days of recollection, intensive spiritual formation experiences; personal prayer, spiritual reading and spiritual direction; participation in the devotional life of the Church, especially eucharistic, Marian and those devotions related to the seasons of the liturgical year; apostolic activity; spiritual conferences and discussions; optional participation in the various prayer groups within the Seminary community; and attempting, with the help of God, to live the Christian virtues and evangelical counsels within as well as outside of the community life of the seminary. (PPF #110). “Since spiritual formation is the core that unifies the life of a priest, it stands at the heart of seminary life and is the center around which all other aspects are integrated.” (PPF #115). |
Personnel
The seminary Director of Spiritual Formation and the Spiritual Formation Team are immediately responsible for the planning, implementation and periodic evaluation of the program of Spiritual Formation, accountable to the Rector and in consultation with the entire faculty. The Spiritual Life Committee provides a forum for faculty and students to come together to reflect and offer consultation on issues of spiritual formation. All students and faculty are encouraged to attend meetings of the Spiritual Life Committee. Students with concerns about spiritual formation may approach the Director of Spiritual Formation and other members of the Spiritual Formation Team at any time. |