Life
in the Theology Division is fashioned to prepare seminarians
for a life of prayer and service, which forms the basis of
the priestly ministry. Their
life of cooperation and concern for one another at Saint Charles Seminary
is a microcosm of the relationships they will foster with parishioners
and parish staffs. The discipline of the daily and yearly schedule
affords seminarians
an opportunity to develop their own self-discipline and priority of values
for the priesthood.
A Seminarian Council is established, comprised of three representatives
of each of the four Theology classes. The President, Vice-President, Secretary
and Treasurer are elected by the seminarians, with the approval of the Rector.
Elections are held each year and the officers may be elected from any of
the
twelve elected representatives. The Seminarian Council acts as a representative
body of the seminarians to coordinate seminarian activities and to further
communicate with the Seminary Administration. As a rule, the Council meets
each month.
An Administration/Seminarian Forum meets regularly, following
each council meeting. Members of the Forum are the Rector, Vice-Rector
for Educational Administration, Dean of Formation, Academic Dean,
Director of Spiritual Formation, the twelve elected representatives
of the Seminarian Council plus four additional seminarians, one
from each class, appointed by the Rector. The Forum offers an opportunity
to facilitate dialog between the seminarians and the administration.
A variety of athletic facilities affords seminarians the opportunity
to participate in physical exercise each day, at their own discretion
and in intramural events. Indoor and outdoor basketball courts,
outdoor tennis courts, and softball and baseball fields are available.
Swimming is a year-round activity in the indoor pool. A fitness
center using aerobic equipment, as well as a weight room are available
for seminarian use. Many of these athletic facilities are maintained
in part by the generosity of our Priest Alumni Association.
The common areas and needs of the house are cared for by the seminarians
themselves. Seminarian coordinators, assisted by other volunteers,
see to the daily care of the lounge, T.V. rooms, laundry facilities,
sports activities, food services, hospitality arrangements for
guests, chapel decorations, infirmary needs and many other seminarian
concerns. This cooperation and service is at the root of our understanding
of priestly ministry. |
