Human Formation

“The whole work of priestly formation would be deprived of its necessary foundation if it lacked a suitable human formation…The priest, who is called to be a ‘living image’ of Jesus Christ, head and shepherd of the Church, should seek to reflect in himself, as far as possible, the human perfection which shines forth in the incarnate Son of God.”

“Future priests should therefore cultivate a series of human qualities, not only out of proper and due growth and realization of self, but also with a view to the ministry…They need to be educated to love the truth, to be loyal, to respect every person, to have a sense of justice, to be true to their word, to be genuinely compassionate, to be men of integrity and, especially, to be balanced in judgment and behavior.”

“Of special importance is the capacity to relate to others. This is truly fundamental for a person who is called to be responsible for a community and to be a ‘man of communion.’ This demands that the priest not be arrogant, or quarrelsome, but affable, hospitable, sincere in his words and heart, prudent and discreet, generous and ready to serve, capable of opening himself to clear and brotherly relationships and of encouraging the same in others.”
(Pastores Dabo Vobis, #43)

Human formation is the necessary foundation for all spiritual, academic and apostolic formation. Entering into human formation, the seminarian will develop his capacity to relate to others and to become a “man of communion,” cultivating human qualities to enable him to grow in the realization of self and to bring that knowledge to priestly ministry. The college seminarian should be so molded that his human personality becomes “a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity.” (PDV, #44)

Within the context of these human qualities and the need for communion, affective maturity becomes a decisive factor in the formation of candidates for the priesthood. “Affective maturity presupposes an awareness that love has a central role in human life, a love that involves the entire person in all aspects-physical, psychic, and spiritual.” (PDV, #44) The college seminarian will be called to live the virtue of chastity that allows him to build true friendships based on a personal love of Jesus Christ. Such a love involves prudence and the ability to renounce anything that becomes a threat to living that love in faithfulness. This great love is grounded not in external constraints but in authentic human freedom. Only within this context can the seminarian enter into authentic knowledge of self, master any form of selfishness, and offer himself as a gift in generous service to others.

Formation Sessions

Formation sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons throughout the year. Topics include the Call to Holiness, the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Penance, Personal Prayer, Love for the Blessed Mother, Celibacy, Simplicity of Life, and the Seminarian as Public Person. Additional formation for first year seminarians is included in the Catholic Doctrine and Catholic Morality classes taught at the seminary. Additional formation for the second year seminarians is included in the Liturgy and Sacraments classes. Before the beginning of the second semester, seminarians are also required to participate in a Priestly Formation week. These days include more intensive presentations on various formation topics led by staff members and guest speakers, as well as time for personal prayer, reflection, and discussion.

Expectations in Human Formation:

• Openness to growth in human relationships
• Lives the virtue of chastity and the celibate lifestyle
• Respects the differences of others in the seminary
• Follows the guidelines for Seminary living
• Provides mutual support and fraternal correction to brother seminarians
• Attends communal prayer, meals, and social functions
• Assists others in the community
• Respects the need for quiet and order on resident hallways, especially after Night prayer
• Diligent in fulfilling the assigned Work Order
• Respectful of seminary property by keeping one’s room and common areas clean and presentable at all times