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Pastoral Formation
The purpose of pastoral formation is to prepare for the priesthood. Thus, the program is organized to develop the guidelines of a “true shepherd of souls.” This development “calls for the priest’s personal commitment to develop the knowledge and skills to teach and preach well, to celebrate the sacraments both properly and prayerfully, and to respond to people’s needs as well as to take initiatives in the community that holy servant leadership requires” (369). The document of the Priestly Life and Ministry Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled As One Who Serves states:
Ministry is the task and responsibility of all baptized members, and not the sole possession of one part of the Church. The reality, the tensions, and the opportunities of the “one and many,” operate also in the mystery of the Church and her life and mission. The Church expresses its one ministry in a multiplicity of ministries. In that context, a primary responsibility of the priest is to call forth leadership from that community. The priest encourages, enables, and supports the laity in offering their gifts or charisms in service to others.
-Chapter III: Relationship with Laity, 34
A carefully designed and supervised active pastoral involvement is an integral part of the total program here at St. Mary’s Seminary. Field education consists of a combination of the ministerial, academic, and spiritual aspects of formation through the diverse ministries that the apostolate requires.
This preparatory program provides many practical experiences that form the basis of future ministry. For example, the field education program will:- afford opportunities to test your vocation within the context of the actual pastoral mission of the Church
- assist to establish a rhythm of life that provides an appropriate balance of service, study, exercise, and leisure
- help to develop a heightened awareness of the diverse nationalities and cultures to whom you will minister
- alert you to the social justice issues that challenge the Church today
- enhance an ecumenical consciousness and sensitivity
- develop the habit of theological reflection in combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience
- prepare you to become a collaborative leader by working in a shared ministry
PROGRAMS IN PASTORAL FORMATION
Specifically, seminarians participate in the following programs which are designed to assist you in becoming a competent and effective leader in ministry.
Work with the Poor
During 1st Configuration, seminarians will participate in experiences of working with the poor.
Spanish Immersion Program
During the summer after 1st Configuration, seminarians in dialogue with their Vocation Director will choose to live in a Latin American country for 6-10 weeks in order to learn Spanish and experience the Latin American culture.
Catechetical Ministry
During 2nd Configuration, seminarians are asked to work with diverse age groups in a parish setting. Programs in this area include RCIA, sacramental programs, youth catechesis, adult education, and other related activities.
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in a hospital setting is an important experience in gaining pastoral identity and competence. Usually, this program takes place during the summer in a CPE center in the seminarian's home diocese.
Pastoral Year
Pastoral Year is a one-year program of supervised ministry in a parish, which normally takes place for seminarians after the second year of academic studies at St. Mary’s Seminary. A diocese has the option to decide whether it will participate in the Pastoral Year. “In a parish internship experience, for example, the seminarian draws on the experience before him in the parish and asks how his human, spiritual, and intellectual formation makes a difference" (PPF, 370).
Social Justice
During 3rd Configuration, social justice ministry offers opportunities for work in disadvantaged areas with marginalized groups—immigrants, migrants, refugees, the sick, the aged, abused women, and the poor.
Diaconal Ministry
Seminarians who complete the third year of Configuration are ordained to the diaconate by their Bishop in their home diocese at the end of the academic year in May or June. During the academic year of 4th Configuration, the deacons minister in parishes two weekends in the month.
Parish Ministry
The various programs utilized during the year, the pastoral year, and summer parish assignments on the parish level introduce seminarians to the experience of working with all who share responsibility for parish ministry. Students learn to appreciate and participate in the shared responsibility and cooperative effort that builds up the parish community. As a result, the seminarian will come to appreciate his own leadership role in relationship to those with whom he will collaborate in ministry.
Liturgical Preparations
The Master of Ceremonies will be responsible for scheduling the various liturgical ministers. He will likewise be responsible, with the guidance of the Director of Liturgy, for the training of seminarians who will be involved with ceremonies for various liturgical celebrations which occur both in the Seminary and in the larger diocesan church.
Liturgical Practica
Practice and study of the various rites and liturgies are incorporated into each year of theology to prepare the seminarian to celebrate prayerfully and to minister effectively.
REQUIREMENTS, COMMITMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Field education requirements include the following:
- meeting with a member of the field education personnel to discuss options for placement
- meeting with the onsite supervisor to write a Learning Agreement that states the mutual expectations and commitments
- being responsible and accountable to the assigned ministry by participating in the program for the entire academic year and fulfilling all requirements
- having your pastoral experiences evaluated twice a year
- engaging in theological reflection
- being mutually supportive of co-ministers
- Safe Environment (CMG Connect) training