Propaedeutic Stage of Priestly Formation
The Propaedeutic Stage aims to provide an intense year of human and spiritual formation. This period of time is an invaluable gift to our new men as they begin their journey of cultivating a deeper prayer life, developing a more mature personality, and entering into “an intense and profound vocational discernment” (Program of Priestly Formation, Sixth Edition (PPF6), 122).
This new community of seminarians will have their own distinct housing, team of priest formators, horarium, scope, and sequence. St. Joseph Seminary College is offering two propaedeutic programs: 1) full-time formation and 2) a condensed formation program for full-time students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts. Each program begins in August and ends in July.
HUMAN DIMENSION
One of the principal objectives in the propaedeutic stage is “to nurture a greater self-awareness for personal growth” (PPF6, 61). Overall, this stage of formation introduces seminarians to reflect on living a life of celibate chastity, simplicity of life, and obedience.
Media fast
Formation seminars
Conferences
Community meetings
Cooking meals
Common work
Exercise and sports
Fraternity
SPIRITUAL DIMENSION
The propaedeutic stage is “to provide a solid basis for the spiritual life... to lead seminarians to prayer by way of the sacramental life; the liturgy of the hours; familiarity with the Word of God, which is to be considered the soul and guide of the journey; silence; mental prayer; and spiritual reading” (PPF6, 229). The Sacred Scripture is understood here in terms of prayer rather than an object of academic study.
Daily Lectio Divina
Catechesis on the Word of God
Days of Recollection
Periodic retreats
Vocational discernment
Pilgrimage
INTELLECTUAL DIMENSION
The propaedeutic stage is “an ideal opportunity to acquire an initial and overall familiarity with Christian doctrine by studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church (PPF6, 268).
Additionally, seminarians are prepared to meet the challenges of being a full-time student. They will receive English Language skills, develop study habits and learn time management skills to be successful in their next stage of formation.
Catechesis on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Priestly identity and spirituality
Spiritual classics
Liberal Arts education
Student Learning Center
PASTORAL DIMENSION
Seminarians are called to develop “the dynamic of self-giving through experiences in the parish setting and charitable works” (PPF6, 121). Men are given the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in the poor through immersion experience. They also practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in their weekly apostolic work. Seminarians will have dedicated periods of time throughout the year to facilitate a deeper bond with their own dioceses.
Apostolic work
Border Immersion
Diocese Immersion