Formation - Diocesan Priest

Preparing for Priesthood

The process of preparation for the priesthood is usually called formation, because it more than just academic education, or training for a job. It involves the whole person, and it can take between four and seven years, depending on previous education and experience. There are four main elements in the process of formation, as it is described in the Vatican document Pastores Dabo Vobis (1993), the academic, the spiritual, the pastoral, and the personal.

Academic Formation

Men preparing for priesthood generally do six or seven years of third level studies. How this is structured varies from one seminary to another. In terms of content, the course usually includes the equivalent of two or three years of Humanities (Arts), with philosophy as a key component. Philosophy is considered to be quite important, both because it sharpens the mind, and because the language and concepts of philosophy provide a good starting point for the study of theology. Students who are suitably qualified in other areas of the arts or sciences, may not be expected to take the full programme in philosophy and four years of Theology, in which the core areas of study include Scripture, Moral and Dogmatic Theology, Liturgy (the study of the Church's ceremonies), Canon Law, and Church History.

Spiritual Formation

To be a priest is to be a leader in a community of faith. Faith is more than the knowledge of doctrine; it is a lived relationship with God. Men preparing for priesthood are helped to deepen that relationship through prayer, and especially through praying the scriptures. Each student also has available to him a spiritual director or guide, whose responsibility is to meet with him regularly, to listen to the story of his faith journey, and to help him to discover what God is calling him to do and to be.

Pastoral Formation

During the years of preparation for priesthood, students are helped to develop the practical skills which will enable them to be good listeners, good leaders, and good teachers of the faith. Throughout the time in seminary, students have pastoral placements, so that they can learn by experience. It would be usual for students to have some involvement in areas such as school chaplaincy, hospital or prison chaplaincy, service of the poor, and - particularly in the final year - regular parish ministry in co-operation with an experienced team of priests.

Personal Formation

Personal formation is a bit more difficult to pin down. It is really the process of reflection, and interaction with others (including formation staff and fellow students), which enables students to grow in their maturity, to have a better understanding of themselves, and to work constructively and creatively with others.

Evaluation

Throughout the time of preparation, it is the responsibility of the formation team, and of the student himself, to be constantly reviewing his progress in the four areas of formation. In this way decisions are made, periodically, which lead either towards ordination, or to the recognition of a different vocation. A decision to leave the seminary is not a failure or a waste. Part of the purpose of the formation process is to help people to make the right decision; to discover what God wants. In the meantime, a few years of seminary formation can help a man to develop the gifts which will enable him to make a positive contribution to both the Church and civil society, in whatever path he follows.

Information on this page is courtesy:
www.vocations.ie/dipriest.html