Formation Programme at Vianney College
In Summary
Vianney College adopts the four stages of initial formation as outlined in the Ratio Fundamentalis (RF) and applies the programme as follows:
- Stage 1. The Propaedeutic Stage lasting 1-2 years, with emphasis on spiritual and human rather than academic formation.
- Stage 2. The Stage of Philosophical Studies (2 years) during which the seminarian concentrates on becoming a disciple of Christ.
- Stage 3. The Stage of Theological Studies (4 years), a time for the seminarian, having reached moral certainty concerning his call to the priesthood, allows himself to become more closely configured to Christ. Candidacy, lector and acolyte mark progress through this stage.
- Stage 4. Pastoral Stage (6 months or more) which involves a synthesis of what has gone beforehand and an application to the practical pastoral situation.
Note: the times shown above could be lengthened and there could be some further formation interposed between the stages.
Mass Times
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In Detail
This programme attempts to follow the guidelines set out in The Gift of the Priestly Vocation, the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, (referred to in this document as RF) issued by the Congregation for the Clergy in 2016, which, in turn, develops the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Pastores Dabo Vobis’ of Saint John Paul II issued in 1992.
Before a student is accepted at Vianney College, he must undergo a preliminary vocational discernment by a vocation director, or another suitable person appointed by the bishop of the diocese for which he is to be formed. This discernment includes a psychological evaluation.
Vianney College is responsible for what is known as “Initial Formation” in its four stages:
Stage One. The Propaedeutic Stage.
The purpose of this stage is to “provide a solid basis for the spiritual life and to nurture a greater self-awareness for personal growth”(RF 59). This is achieved by a programme which helps the seminarian to practice personal prayer, to understand and participate in the Liturgy, to become familiar with the word of God and with Christian doctrine as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It will also lay the necessary foundations for discernment in the later stages.
In this stage, steps will be taken to make up for anything that is lacking in the seminarian’s general education. This usually includes some study of English, an overview of Christian Culture and History and the study of Latin. However, this stage of formation is considered entirely distinct from philosophical studies.
Experiencing the formation programme of the propaedeutic stage has also been found useful as a means of acculturation for seminarians newly arrived in Australia, even though they may have commenced seminary formation elsewhere.
The students in the propaedeutic stage are directed by a Propaedeutic Formator, appointed by the Bishop. The Propaedeutic Formator works with the Seminary Rector and other Formators to achieve the goals of this stage of formation. Together with the students in the Propaedeutic Stage, he strives to form a distinct community within the larger seminary body. He helps the students under his care to learn the art of community life and leads them to some initial experiences in the parish setting and in charitable works. He also plays a major part in helping to discern the suitability and readiness of each student to move to the subsequent stages of initial formation.
The Propaedeutic Stage of Formation lasts at least one year and no more than two years. (RF 59)
Stage Two. The Stage of Philosophical Studies (or Discipleship).
This period lasts typically for two years. The focus of academic studies is on philosophy and related subjects. However, these studies form an integral part of the formation of the seminarian as a Disciple of Christ, helping the seminarian mature towards a definitive decision to follow the Lord in the ministerial priesthood.
The study of Philosophy at this stage of priestly formation is governed by the Code of Canon Law (c.250), the Ratio Fundamentalis (RF 66) and the Ratio Nationalis.
During this period the seminarian will experience some apostolic work, in conformity with his level of formation. There will normally be several hours each week devoted to a task, under supervision. Before he starts this period of formation (i.e. at the end of the propaedeutic period) and again at the end of the first year of Philosophical studies, the student will be allotted to a parish by the bishop, where, during the Advent period, he will experience something of parish life and assist in parish activities, insofar as he is able.
At the end of this period a decision is made as to whether the seminarian is ready for advancement to the third stage.
Stage Three. The Stage of Theological Studies (or Configuration).
The study of Theology and related subjects forms the core of academic life during this period which typically lasts for four years at Vianney College.
At the beginning of this third stage of formation it is possible to admit the seminarian among the candidates for Orders.
Early in this period of Theological Studies the seminarian is allotted a parish in his diocese where he will gain much of his pastoral formation. The pastor of that parish will assume the role of a formator, working in union with the seminary Director of Pastoral Formation.
“At the conclusion of this stage, or during the following one, if he has been judged suitable by the bishop, after having heard the formators, the seminarian will petition to receive diaconal ordination.” (RF 73)
Stage Four. Pastoral Stage (Vocational Synthesis).
This stage is defined by RF 74 as “the time from leaving the seminary until the subsequent priestly ordination.” It is normally expected that the seminarian will enter this stage as a deacon, or receive diaconate soon after beginning this period, though there could be cases where this plan is not followed. It will be largely lived in a parish community away from the seminary, though under the supervision of the seminary formation staff. The Pastoral Stage is for twelve months.