The
Spiritual Formation Program is an essential part of the overall
program of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Its purpose is to
invite the seminarian to identify and establish attitudes, habits
and practices in the spiritual life that will benefit him in
his preparation for priesthood and will continue to do so in
his ongoing formation after ordination. These spiritual disciplines
are meant to provide a foundation that will encourage zealous
and loving priestly ministry.
Because
of the special vocation to which the seminarian is called, liturgical
prayer is at the core of his day. The Spiritual Formation Program,
therefore, includes daily celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy
of the Hours, communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance,
and weekly opportunity for Eucharistic devotion. The seminarians
are trained to participate in and assist at the Sacred Liturgy
each day. Those installed in various ministries function in the
capacity of their office as lector, acolyte and deacon. Deacons
are also scheduled to preach at designated liturgies throughout
the year. Members of the ceremony crew, sacristans, choir and
schola assist at the liturgies and ceremonies of the house as
well as the Holy Week Liturgies and special Archdiocesan celebrations
held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Days
of recollection, Penance services and Marian devotions are held
at specified times. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction
are held every Tuesday. Optional Night Prayer is scheduled on
a weekly basis. Special devotions are planned for the seasons
of Advent and Lent, the yearly celebration of Forty Hours and
the Marian months of October and May. House retreats are scheduled
for the beginning and end of the academic year, in addition to
the canonical retreats arranged for those receiving sacred orders.
Likewise,
occasions for devotional prayers such as the Angelus, the Rosary
and the Stations of the Cross are provided. In concert with all
the spiritual opportunities noted above and with an integrative
purpose, the Program offers conferences by the Director of Spiritual
Formation and provides spiritual direction for each seminarian
at least once a month.
Spiritual
maturity is a concern of the entire Saint Charles Seminary community.
It is a concern of each seminarian. It is a concern of the Seminary
faculty who expend their efforts to prepare men for a lifetime
of service in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The functioning
of the Spiritual Formation Program, however, is the precise responsibility
of the Director of Spiritual Formation.
The
general objectives of the Spiritual Formtion Program are three:
- to
impart to the seminarian maturing insights and enriched spiritual
values, so that the seminarian can arrive at a firm and informed
conviction regarding his own priestly vocation;
- to
acquaint the seminarian with the implications of a conversion
of mind and heart, so that in time he will be capable of making
a lasting commitment of himself to Christ and His Church as
a priest;
- to
help the seminarian to seek in all things to follow the example
of Christ the Priest, who gave His life for the world.
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