Propaedeutic Program

PROPAEDEUTIC PROGRAM

Typical Day

Morning Prayer
Breakfast
Seminar: Various Speakers
Mass
Lunch
Rosary/ Lectio Divina
Dinner
Evening prayer
Class at MACC/Spiritual Formation Conference
Adoration
Group Sharing and Integration
Night Prayer
Retreats/Time for Recollection
Community Time
Pastoral Ministry experiences in the Archdiocese

HUMAN DIMENSION

One of the main objectives in the propaedeutic stage is "to nurture self-awareness and personal growth" (The Gift of Priestly Formation, 59). This program is designed to offer a seminarian the time and space to discover himself, to grow in self-knowledge, self-discipline, relationship skills, and comfort with solitude by promoting responsible use of technology and social media.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE...

Formation of Seminarians
Community Meetings
Cooking Meals
Common Work
Exercise and Sports
Recreation
Fraternity

INTELLECTUAL DIMENSION

The propaedeutic stage is an ideal opportunity to become familiar with basic Catholic doctrine, an introduction to the Bible and the Catechism, and the traditions of Christian spirituality; as well as to develop a love for learning, good study habits, intellectual curiosity, and to learn time management skills to be successful in the next stage of formation.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE...

Introductory courses in Theology & Catechism
Spiritual reading
Theological Reflection

SPIRITUAL DIMENSION

An important aspect of the program 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." (The Gift of Priestly Vocation, 59). This program fosters growth in understanding celibate life and the virtue of chastity.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE...

Daily Liturgy of the Hours
Daily Lectio Divina
Days of Recollection
Adoration
Periodic Retreats
Spiritual Direction

PASTORAL DIMENSION

Those in the propaedeutic stage should develop "the dynamic of self-giving through experience in the parish setting and charitable works (PPF, 373). They will also have opportunities to deepen the bonds with their dioceses.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE...

Apostolic Work
Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy
Cultural competency
Border immersion
Diocese immersion

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

The goal is for men to be part of a formational community to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, come to a greater knowledge of the Catholic faith, and grow in character and virtue. This program provides a year of human and spiritual formation offering opportunities to cultivate a deeper prayer life, a more pronounced affective maturity, and greater sense of call to ministry through "an intense and profound vocational discernment" (Program for Priestly Formation, 122).

This stage of priestly formation (the Propaedeutic Stage) takes place prior to the Discipleship Stage (i.e., before the study of philosophy). It introduces the new seminarian to the spiritual life and provides a solid foundation in human formation. the Church requires this formation in order "to provide seminarians with the basic groundwork they need to engage in priestly formation" (PPF 119).

DIRECTOR

Fr. Tomichan Moonnanappillil MSFS