Many people, even many Catholics, have a vision of seminary as a very strict monastery. They imagine men walking around in black robes, chanting in Latin, observing strict silence, and never smiling or laughing. But that is not even true of a monastery, much less a seminary. The truth is that modern seminaries are much like universities, albeit with a very strong spiritual emphasis. Today's seminaries are filled with joyful men who pray together, recreate together, and take classes to prepare them for priestly life and ministry. It is a very vibrant setting; some have called it the best education the Church has to offer.
What is daily life like for a typical seminarian? In a word: busy. Because the demands of priesthood are so great, formation of future priests is extremely rigorous. In addition to master's-level academics, seminarians pray together at least twice a day, go to daily Mass, meet with their spiritual directors, and go to pastoral assignments at local parishes. Plus there are special meetings and workshops. This leaves enough time for meals and homework-but just barely! From a lay perspective, you could compare seminary to having a full-time job and getting a master's degree at the same time.
Four Pillars of Priestly Formation
Being a priest is not a job: it is a taking on a new identity; it is becoming alter Christus, another Christ. To this end, the Church requires rigorous formation in four key areas:
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Human formation: learning how to form the future priests' personality to be a bridge to Christ; how to be an effective public spokesperson for the Church.
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Spiritual formation: developing a deep and mature relationship with Christ through prayer and virtuous living.
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Intellectual formation: understanding the truths of the Faith and cultivating the skills to teach the Faith to others.
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Pastoral formation: learning how to be a "shepherd of souls," helping parishioners through the joys and trials of life.
| During their formation, seminarians learn to put Christ first in all things. |
Three Levels of Seminary
A man may begin his formation having no higher education or after having obtained one or more degrees. Either way, there are certain areas which he must study, such as philosophy and theology, so that he will have the tools to become a good pastor of souls. Every man who begins seminary studies will be placed in one of the first two "levels" according to his previous education.
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College Seminary: Men studying to obtain a college degree (generally in Philosophy, though not always), while at the same time undergoing the formation required to enter major seminary.
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Pre-Theology: Men who already have a college degree, but who still need to satisfy the requirements of two years of formation and philosophical study before entering major seminary.
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Major seminary (Theology): Men who have attended either college seminary or pre-theology will continue the final four years of priestly formation. They focus on Theology, Morality, Scripture and the Sacraments among other subjects.
Installation of Ministries
Seminarians progress through several formal steps on their way to priesthood, typically in the timeframe presented below (with some variations, depending on the seminary and diocese). Note that the first ministries are also held by lay people throughout the Church.
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Ministry of Lector (First Theology): Proclaim the word of God in a liturgical assembly.
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Ministry of Acolyte (Second Theology): Assist the deacon and priest during Mass.
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Admission to Candidacy (Third Theology): The bishop formally calls a man to be ordained.
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Ordination to Diaconate (Summer after Third Theology): A man is ordained to proclaim the gospel at mass, preach, baptize, witness marriages, and assist the priest in bringing Jesus to people in need.
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Ordination to Priesthood (Summer after Fourth Theology): A man is ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
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