Formation Program
Priestly Formation Program
AIM AND PURPOSE OF SEMINARY FORMATION
- The seminary is a living community, an organic net-work of inter-personal relationship to help young men to prepare for the priesthood. The main aim of this set-up is to assist students in deepening the awareness of the ideals and challenges of the priesthood in preparation of their own pastoral ministry through association of their bishops, formation staff, and in great part through constant and elaborate relationships with fellow seminarians in the spirit of the Gospel. The rector, the formation staff, the members of the teaching faculty with the seminarians constitute a family. The real formation of the candidates to the priesthood takes places in themselves. The task of the administration and the staff is to plan, organize, direct, motivate and evaluate the growth of this living community to achieve the goals of the seminary.
- The seminary as a human community bound by Christian charity offers the students the opportunity to grow into full adulthood and accept maturely the responsibility of the priesthood.
- It is a faith community filled with hope and ideals incontrast fears and confusion of the troubled world.
- The seminary is the bud of the future presbyterium. In this apostolic community the students will learn to appreciate one another and endeavour to solve their problems unitedly with apostolic zeal and skill.
- This is an academic community. A serious preparation is required to tackle the present day theological problems of the people of God and the world's needs.
- The primary goal of the seminary training is 'to provide for development of the true shepherds of souls after the model of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was a teacher, priest and shepherd' (Optatam Totius, 4).
- The spiritual, intellectual and disciplinary components of the entire seminary formation are pastoral oriented. The priestly vocation is a ministry of service of the people of God in their search for holiness and a greater share in the redeeming mission of Christ.
Our comprehensive formation program is designed to prepare seminarians for effective priestly ministry in the modern world. The program encompasses four essential dimensions of formation:
1. Spiritual Formation
The heart of our program focuses on developing a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ through:
Daily Eucharistic celebration and adorationRegular reception of the Sacrament of ReconciliationLiturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)Personal prayer and meditationRetreats and spiritual directionDevotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary2. Intellectual Formation
Academic excellence is pursued through:
Two-year Philosophy programFour-year Theology programSacred Scripture studiesChurch History and PatristicsMoral and Dogmatic TheologyCanon LawLiturgical studiesPastoral theology and counseling3. Pastoral Formation
Practical ministry preparation includes:
Parish ministry experienceHospital and institutional chaplaincyYouth ministry programsSocial service projectsPreaching and homileticsCatechetical instructionMarriage and family counseling preparation4. Human Formation
Personal development and character building through:
Community living and fraternityLeadership developmentCommunication skillsEmotional maturity and self-awarenessCultural sensitivity and inculturationPhysical fitness and healthArts and recreationProgram Structure
Years 1-2: Philosophy
Foundation in philosophical thinking, logic, ethics, and fundamental theology. Focus on human formation and spiritual development.
Years 3-6: Theology
Comprehensive theological education covering all major areas of Catholic theology, with increasing emphasis on pastoral formation.
Pastoral Year
Practical ministry experience in parishes or institutions under supervision, applying theological knowledge to pastoral situations.