Propaedeutic Spiritual Formation

Propaedeutic Spiritual Formation

GOAL OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION: DEEPENING COMMUNIO WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH

The goal of spiritual formation in the propaedeutic stage is intimacy with Christ and his church in docility to the Holy Spirit through whom one’s heart is filled with the love of Christ for his flock.

To demonstrate growth in this goal, the seminarian ought to develop a solid foundation of prayer and a well-rounded spiritual life, which inspires in him, comfortability with his identity as a beloved son, a readiness for a sustainable friendship with Jesus Christ, and a longing to become the son of the Church.

BENCHMARKS

  • Growth in prayer and spiritual life.
  • Growing understanding of celibate life.
  • Growth in understanding of the priestly vocation.
  • The ability to articulate a relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Growth in reading and meditating on Sacred Scripture.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The seminary provides the necessary accompaniment for spiritual formation both in the external and internal forum for meeting the benchmarks of the propaedeutic stage, including among them individual spiritual direction, formation conferences, retreats, weekends of recollection, and workshops.

Some of the means through which the seminary places priority on the spiritual dimension of the propaedeutic stage in the external forum is through weekly Wednesday formation on spiritual life, daily homilies at Mass, three weekends of recollection, two five-day retreats, pilgrimages, daily meditation, and regularly scheduled Eucharist Exposition and Benediction.