In
this day, the journey to the priesthood is a long one and the characteristics
required for the formation to ordain a seminarian to the priesthood are numerous. Yet, it needs to be so, in having good and
holy priests for a lifetime of service. With
this article, I wanted to reflect on what most Archdioceses of today are
requiring for the formation of their seminarians. In the “Profile of a Candiate for the Priesthood
to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles” (See *) as mentioned in the Parish Vocation
Director’s Manual originally created by the Vocations Office, under the
direction of Monsignor Jim Forsen, it is mentioned these vital characteristics
as follows:
“1. An
ecclesial spirituality that includes a deep love and commitment to the
Eucharist, to the Sacramental life of the Church, to the Scriptures, and to the
Liturgy of the Hours; as well as a personal spirituality that includes a
commitment to private prayer, balance devotionalism, and personal spiritual
growth.
2.
A fundamental
knowledge and understanding of the teaching of the Catholic Church, and a faith
commitment to those teaching in their entirely.
3.
Commitment to the
Magisterium of the Church as contained in official Church documents, with a
special emphasis upon the spirit and teachings of the Second Vatican Council
and subsequent implementing documents; commitment to follow the leadership of
the Archbishop as the authentic Teacher within the Archdiocese. The candidate must understand and accept the
extraordinary teaching of our Holy Father in Pastores Dabo Vobis.
4.
Strong moral
character and an evident commitment to integrity, honesty, and personal and
social justice.
5.
A genuine desire
to serve others over the pursuit and satisfaction of one’s personal interests,
with a strong commitment to an appropriately simple life-style and willingness
to serve the poor and to accept assignment to less affluent parishes.
6.
Physical, mental
and emotional health, as evidenced by the absence of inhibiting disabilities
and potentially serious medical conditions; a balanced approach to work, prayer
and leisure; appropriate expression of emotions; good stress management skills
and freedom from addictions; where pertinent, five years of sobriety and
continuing successful involvement in recovery program.
7.
Age appropriate
psycho-sexual maturity.
8.
Commitment to and
ability to live a life of celibacy according to the call of Christ, including
celibate living for two years prior to entering the seminary and throughout the
entire period of formation. Pursuing the
virtue of chastity enhances overall priestly holiness.
9.
Proven academic
ability to complete graduate theological studies, etc.
10.
Willingness to
coorperate with the vision and mission of the Universal Church
11.
Good
interpersonal skills for sustaining relationships and fulfilling the duties and
responsibilities of ministry, including evidence of sound peer relationships.
12.
Pastoral
sensitivity demonstrated by genuine care and compassion for others, a clear
sense of prudence, as well as an aptitude for acquiring pastoral skills.
13.
Ability to work
collaboratively with laymen, laywomen, women religious, permanent Deacons,
other priests, and the Regional Bishops.
14.
Demonstrable
leadership skills and the ability to show initiative in pastoral and personal
situations, together with the desire to inculcate sound liturgical presiding
skills – to serve as a leader of prayer.
15.
Ability to
minister in two or more pastoral languages, with Spanish the most often needed.
16.
Appropriate
appreciation and respect for diversity and multiculturalism, especially as
these factors present themselves in the religious traditions of the various
ethnic groups.
17.
Requisite
communication skills.”
* It should be noted that all the “characteristics”
mentioned in this article are ones that are consistant with the “issues of
human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation” that had been set
clearly to incorporate during the lifetime of Pope John Paul II (now Saint) in
his noted 1992 Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhoration, Pastores Dabo Vogis, articles
43-59, and as described in The Program for Priestly Formation.
As
one can see, there are many key characteristics that are needed for the
formation of a seminarian to the priesthood.
It is a time when any Archdiocese is prudent in having seminarians that
reflect these characteristics for holy and well qualified priests that bring greater
compassion, holiness, communication and strength for a lifetime of service.
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