Pastoral Formation Program

Pre-theologians are offered optional opportunities for introductory supervised experiences with the hungry, the homeless, the sick, and the marginalized, and other opportunities for service and evangelization (PPF, 254)

Supervised ministry in catechetics and teaching occurs primarily in Catholic schools and parish based religious education programs. A workshop on teaching methods is offered to assist in the ministry of catechesis and conveying the faith to various members of the ecclesial community (PPF, 239)

Supervised ministry in health care/social justice allows for ministerial opportunities in hospitals/private and military, nursing homes, geriatric / psychiatric centers, correctional facilities, homeless centers, ministry to persons with AIDS, campus ministry and immigration services. A workshop is provided yearly on health related issues (PPF, 239).

Supervised ministry in evangelization involves parish ministry, secondary education and counseling, diocesan tribunals and vocation offices, campus ministry, RCIA, correctional facilities, evangelization ministries, and other support experiences to assist a man to grow in any areas needed prior to ordination to the transitional diaconate. A workshop on pre‑nuptial marriage preparation is offered (PPF, 239).

Transitional deacons are required to serve at approved parish placements on assigned weekends. The seminary cooperates with local dioceses in the supervision of deacon placement in order to provide each man an opportunity to integrate his ordained ministry with practical learning opportunities, all the while developing a sense of what it means to be a spiritual leader and evangelizer (PPF, 239).

Criteria:

1. Shows skill in dealing with various pastoral settings such as teaching, health care, evangelization, parish administration, and diaconate parish placements
2. Demonstrates an ability to minister to those of various cultures, particularly Hispanic
3. Manages his time well by being punctual and following through with assigned tasks

Criteria:

1. Demonstrates effective communication skills, including preaching and catechesis
2. Shows fatherly care and dedication toward others by giving time and attention to them
3. Takes initiative with groups and projects
4. Accepts feedback and constructive criticism

Criteria:

1. Respects different ministries and apostolates within the Church
2. Demonstrates respect for those of other beliefs and cultures
3. Exhibits docility toward authority
4. Works well with others in ministry, including women
5. Shows fatherly kindness and affability toward others

Criteria:

1. Fosters unity among the clergy and the lay faithful
2. Manifests a balanced outlook and avoids ideologies, especially in liturgical matters
3. Cultivates friendships with seminarians and priests, particularly in his own diocese

 

Seminarians shall have a sense of self as servants of the People of God and begin to see how pastoral ministry is integral to priestly formation. This year offers an opportunity for seminarians to integrate social teachings of the church into concrete acts of charity and corporal works of mercy while orienting the man to pastoral activity, basic skills development, and the beginning of theological reflection (PPF, 225).

Seminarians shall have a sense of self as part of the tradition of authorized teachers of the faith, a working knowledge of the role of religious education in the pastoral mission of the Church, a competence for catechesis on the elementary school level, and a basic knowledge of faith development and age appropriate lesson planning. These men will also learn the complexities experienced by teachers and therefore develop compassion for their particular mission in the Church. They will learn how, as future priests, to assist the mission of Catholic education through parochial schools and religious education programs.

Seminarians shall have a sense of self as extending the charity of Christ to the sick, elderly and those with special needs. They will develop personal interactive skills required for effective listening, an effective pastoral personality and ability to manifest genuine pastoral charity. Seminarians should develop pastoral compassion, while learning how they, as future priests, will assist those who minister in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes and institutions that provide special care for the sick and suffering.

Seminarians shall have a sense of self as heralds of Christ, the personal skills required to relate to a diverse population, and an increasing capacity for pastoral leadership and collaborative ministry. In this year, seminarians may have an opportunity to learn how to promote vocations, work with professional institutions that serve other pastoral needs, and even have an opportunity to serve in a parish, prior to diaconate ordination, in order to cultivate personal qualities that they and their formation advisor determine would be helpful before they are called to ordination as transitional deacons (PPF, 239).

Deacons shall have a sense of self as servant leaders in the Church, developing their competence in the diaconia of the Word, of the liturgy, and of charity. They will learn parish administration skills, what it means to be part of a pastoral team and will assist in appropriate liturgical settings, and will develop an understanding of what it means to be a pastoral leader.