Fr. Joshua J. Rodrigue, S.T.L., the Rector at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, gave an information-packed presentation on the sixth edition of The Program for Priestly Formation at the 2024 Serra International Convention. The PPF6 is the new governing document for Catholic seminary formation. This edition, based on the Ratio Fundamentalis (2016), calls for a significant shift in seminary formation.
Who should attend seminary?
The USCCB published a helpful series of bulletins called “Principles of the New PPF” which explain the changes. One particularly useful section addresses thresholds for men who should be admitted to formation:
In forming a prudent judgment about the suitability of an applicant for priestly formation, the principle of gradualism should be used. Applicants for admission should have attained, at least in some measure appropriate to their age, qualities in those areas represented by the integrated dimensions of formation.
Human: a proven capacity to function competently in ordinary situations without a need for extensive therapeutic or remedial work to be fully functioning; a psycho-sexual maturity commensurate with chronological age; a genuine empathy that enables the applicant to connect well and personally with others; a demonstrated ability to initiate and sustain friendships; a capacity for growth or conversion; and a deep desire to be a man for others in the likeness of Christ.
Spiritual: a person who prays regularly; is active in parish life; participates in Mass and Confession; and is drawn to explore and deepen his spiritual life and share it with others.
Intellectual: proven capacities for critical thinking, an ability to understand abstract and practical questions, and the capacity to understand and communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Pastoral: a fundamental sense of the Church’s mission and a generous enthusiasm to promote it; a sensitivity to the needs of others and a desire to respond to them; and a willingness to initiate action for the good of individuals and communities.
Why we need a propaedeutic year
“The culture young men are being formed in is no longer Christian. American society now promotes extremes in self-absorption, pleasure-seeking, and grave distortions surrounding gender, marriage, and sexuality. These experiences are combined with social media technologies’ isolating effects and influence (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.). The effect is that society and media have contributed to negatively forming men, where their sense of reality and mental habits of choice and belief have often been corrupted. The Program for Priestly Formation 6th edition (PPF) understands that these factors create an environment where new seminarians lack the ‘requisite qualities for formation.’” Fr. Etienne Hubbard, O.S.B., from his essay “Changes to College Priestly Formation: A Defense” published in Homiletics and Pastoral Review, May 2024
NEW STAGES OF FORMATION
There are now four stages of formation for priesthood: Propaedeutic, Discipleship, Configuration, and Vocational Synthesis. The Propaedeutic stage is a new addition for first-year seminarians. The Discipleship stage was formerly known as Pre-theology, with an academic focus on philosophical studies. The Configuration stage corresponds with theological studies through what was previously third theology. Finally, there is the Vocational Synthesis stage, which occurs after diaconate ordination, and is a period of real-world pastoral training, ideally within the diocese. These stages add up to a seven- to ten-year program, slightly longer than current formation.
VOCATIONAL SYNTHESIS: 6mo – 1 yr
PREVIOUSLY: FOURTH THEOLOGY
The Vocational Synthesis Stage is the period of formation between diaconal and priestly ordinations. It is intended primarily as a time of integration and transition into one’s diocese. This stage is a gradual realization of the cleric’s responsibility for the care of souls while he resides full-time in a pastoral setting.
CONFIGURATION 3.5 years
PREVIOUSLY: FIRST TO THIRD THEOLOGY
In the Configuration Stage, the seminarian models his life on the self-donation of Jesus Christ, Shepherd and Servant, as he prepares for Holy Orders. He begins to take on a priestly identity as he studies theology, actively serves the poor, and practices evangelization. Reception of Candidacy, and conferral of the ministries of lector and acolyte occurs during this stage.
DISCIPLESHIP 2-4 YEARS
PREVIOUSLY: COLLEGE SEMINARY OR PRE-THEOLOGY
In the Discipleship Stage, which must not last less than two years, men form an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the life of meditation, contemplation, and the training of one’s character in Christian virtue. In this stage, there is a special focus on human formation and the necessary philosophical knowledge to study theology.
PROPAEDEUTIC 1-3 YEARS
NEW STAGE OF FORMATION
This new stage of formation recognizes that most young men need a period of human maturation while receiving basic instruction in spirituality and Christian living. This phase is light on academic coursework, though men will study the Catechism and scripture. The goal is to lay a foundation for a new way of life through prayer, study, fraternity, and docility to formation.
