The human, spiritual and pastoral formation of candidates for the priesthood has many facets. Disciplined study of theology nourishes a deeper love and stronger possession of faith. The human potential of each candidate must be developed so that each grows in pastoral skills and personal qualities, including psycho-sexual maturity, which every priest must have in these complex times.
Each seminarian has an individual Spiritual Director in the internal forum and a Priestly Formation Advisor in the external forum, as well as access to professional counselors experienced in the formation of priests. The Spiritual Directors and Priestly Formation Advisors give guidance for spiritual, human and pastoral development within the context of prayer and grace through the sacraments, and the living of a generous Christian Life.
Seminary life is nourished by daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist, community celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer, spiritual reading, meditation, Eucharistic adoration, praying the rosary and frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Weekly conferences by the Rector or his delegate as well as supplemental workshops focus on the spirituality of the priest, living a chaste celibate life, instruction on prayer, etc.
The theological program consists of 120 credits, of which 96 credits are normally applied to the M.Div. Degree. This is consistent with the norms of the Program for Priestly Formation of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The theology program consists of eight semesters of seminary residence, incorporating the four areas of priestly formation as articulated in the Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis: