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Objectives of the Discipleship Stage in the Initial Priestly Formation

The key formative process in Disciple Stage is the “systematic work on the personality of the seminarian” and discipleship. The Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis points out that this stage is about educating the man and the disciple in a rigorous and systematic way. On the one hand, the main goal of Discipleship Stage is to accompany a seminarians in the conscious and free affirmation of his choice to follow Jesus in a life of discipleship. Discipleship is the focal point of this stage which means that this period is characterized by the formation of a disciple of Jesus. On the other hand, this stage gives special attention to human formation so that in harmony with spiritual development, a seminarian is guided to mature in his decision to follow the Lord in ministerial priesthood. This is so because growth in human maturity which takes place through the help of divine grace, gives direction to growth in the spiritual life.

As to the minimum duration of this stage, the Ratio Formationis follows the directives of the Ratio Fundamentalis Sacerdotalis: “ the duration of this stage, which must not be less than two years, should be sufficient to attain its own proper objectives and, at the same time, to acquire the necessary knowledge of philosophy and of the human sciences. It must be valued properly in its own right and understood with regard to its specific aims, and not simply as an ‘obligatory step’ needed to reach theological studies.”

DISCIPLESHIP YEAR ONE (DY1) - (SHIP)

Spiritual Formation

RFSN 205 “As a seminarian search for self-identity and a sense of mission in life. The spiritual formation of a seminarian:

Aims to awaken and develop in him a sense of the sacred in life
Through spiritual exercises and spiritual direction,
So that he could be a good Christian and
Be able to crystallize his decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Best practices:

Meaningful liturgical celebrations (rfsn214)
solemn benediction (rfsn215)
visitations to blessed sacrament; consciousness examen
sacrament of penance and continuous conversion
liturgical and communal prayers
eucharistic adorations and vigils
devotion to BVM
retreat and recollections to be designed according to the levels and needs of seminarians.
bible sharing, stations of the cross, regular holy rosary, St. Peter’s prayer and novenas

Growth Indicators

Love for Prayer, examen, silence, solitude.

Human Formation

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-KNOWLEDGE

SELF-IDENTITY

A seminarian (formation process) must accept and pay attention to his unique personal background and needs. (Psycho-emotional, psycho-spiritual)

SELF-ACCEPTANCE AND SELF-ESTEEM.

A seminarian must be patiently guided in getting in touch with his feelings, memories and experience.
He must arrive at a sense of self-worth and dignity, which will enable him to use his human abilities for the common good.
At the barest minimum, a seminarian must leave the college seminary with sufficient sense of who he is.

A LIFESTYLE OF SIMPLICITY

A seminarian must be helped to embrace the humanizing and liberating aspects of simplicity.
He must learn early in possessions, attachment to comfort, to luxurious tastes, and wealthy.
Benefactors should be checked especially when they lead to disdain for a seminarian's rather financially deprived family and history.

CONSCIENCE FORMATION

A seminarian is at a crucial moment in the formation and education of his conscience. awakening to many personal and social realities, and bombarded by conflicting value systems, he could be at a loss in determining what is true, good and just. Guided by sacred scriptures and teachings of the church.
A seminarian must learn to heed the inner law that is God's voice within us.

BEST PRACTICES

Discernment Activities/ Processing – To master inner freedom
Leadership Activities/ Processing – To hold on commitment
Family History/ Human Development Activities/ Processing – To be emotionally in touch
Personality Traits Activities/ Processing – To Develop self-acceptance/ love
Human Sexuality Conference – To develop a healthy understanding of Human Sexuality/ Respect of Sexual Orientation.
Anthropological Catholic Standard Conference – To develop an integral understanding of human person.
Mental Health Issue Conference – To be aware of personal mental condition (antecedents, behavior, consequence.)
Spiritual Accompaniment/ Counselling Conference – To develop affective prayer and affective maturity / to develop therapeutic alliance.

Growth Indicators

Ability to express ideas
Confident about his gifts and able to share
Sense of self-valuing
Hygiene, self-expression
Healthy self-knowledge and able to work-out deep-seated identity issues.

Intellectual Formation

The academic program provides introductory courses on philosophy, sacred scriptures, communication and personal development to help the candidates develop their interest on the fundamentals of faith Be introduced to the dynamics of critical thinking and self-consciousness. In addition, a few academic courses are offered in order to introduce the seminarians to the basics of values education and the social teachings of the church. Awareness to contemporary world and literature are part of their learning sphere.

1st Semester

Introduction to Sacred Scriptures
Values Education 1
Introduction to the Social Teachings of the Church
Purposive Communication and Public Discourse
Introduction to Philosophy
Logic
Ancient Philosophy

2nd semester

Medieval Philosophy
Critical Thinking
World Literature
Filipino Philosophy
Chinese Philosophy
Art Appreciation
Public speaking

BEST PRACTICES

GROWTH INDICATORS

Seminarians developed study habits and learn the skills of self-expression through speaking and writing.

Time management/ efficiency/effectiveness
Interest in studies & attitude towards academic life and discipline

Pastoral Formation

Internal Pastoral Exposure

Pastoral exposures of the seminarians focus the basic internal apostolate; schedules and activity inside the seminary. In this way they will be helped to internalized the new formation and adapt to the new community During summer, they will be assigned in designated parish assignments. This will help them to know and observe the parish work and get acquainted with others.

BEST PRACTICES

This done with the cooperation of the vocation director from different dioceses.

Internal Apostolate.
Summer Program: 1 month Parish Exposure during holy week and chapel visitations.

Others:

Bloodletting and blood donation, are also humanitarian act that each seminarian uphold. They are attuned and aware of being a regular blood donor.
Another charitable act is the observance of gift giving every Christmas season to the less fortunate and street children.
Their situation is a calling to initiate an extending hand. Tree planting, also is an annual activity of the 4th year seminarians. This is there way of taking care for our common home.

DISCIPLESHIP YEAR TWO (DY2) - (SHIP)

Spiritual Formation

RFSN 206 “At this point of formation, discipleship takes the center stage. Characterized by the formation of a disciple of Jesus “whom the Lord has called to stay with Him, follow Him, and to become a missionary of the Gospel; ¨(who)

Each day he learns how to enter into the secrets of living a deep relationship with Jesus,”
To root the seminarian in the sequela Christi: listening to His Word, keeping it in his heart and putting in into practice.”
Staying with Christ (therefore) becomes a pedagogical-spiritual journey that transforms the life of the seminarian and bears witness to His love in the world.”

Best practices

Meaningful liturgical celebrations (rfsn214)
solemn benediction (rfsn215)
visitations to blessed sacrament; consciousness examen
sacrament of penance and continuous conversion
liturgical and communal prayers
eucharistic adorations and vigils
devotion to BVM
retreat and recollections to be designed according to the levels and needs of seminarians.
bible sharing, stations of the cross, regular holy rosary, St. Peter’s prayer and novenas

Growth Indicators

Quality participation in all Liturgical prayers, celebrations, and devotions.

Human Formation

DISCERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING

MOTIVATIONAL CLARITY

A seminarian should also begin to seriously discern his purpose in life.
A seminarian clarifies his life direction and purify his motives for choosing a particular path of life.
Emphasis must be placed on purifying his motivation for the priesthood.

SYCHOLOGICAL MATURITY

A seminarian must progressively give way to a more mature adult conduct manifesting behaviors such as other-centeredness, accountability, the capacity to commit oneself, and the willingness to sacrifice.

SPIRIT OF SELF SACRIFICE

Must be inculcated to a seminarian expressing itself in the appreciation of the dignity of manual work, in the courageous facing of life’s pains and challenges, and the joyful acceptance of difficulties.

MATURE CAPACITY FOR RELATION WITH WOMEN OF VARIOUS AGES AND SOCIAL CONDITION

It would be fitting to take into consideration the capacity of seminarians for mature relationships with women.

AFFECTIVE MATURITY

The ministry and life of a priest requires a well-developed affectivity. Thus, it would be gravely imprudent to admit to the sacrament of orders a seminarian who does not possess free and serene affective maturity.
It is necessary to develop his affective maturity, working on self-esteem, self-giving, and self-transcendence.

CHARACTER TRAINING

making the seminarian a living reflection of the humanity of Jesus and a bridge that connects people to God.
More importantly, character formation constitutes part of a solid foundation where the personality of a seminarian should be grounded.
Thus, a seminarian should grow in strength of spirit and learn human virtues such as sincerity of mind, a constant concern for justice, fidelity to one's promises, refinement in manners, modesty in speech coupled with charity.

BEST PRACTICES

Discernment Activities/ Processing – To master inner freedom
Leadership Activities/ Processing – To hold on commitment
Family History/ Human Development Activities/ Processing – To be emotionally in touch
Personality Traits Activities/ Processing – To Develop self-acceptance/ love
Human Sexuality Conference – To develop a healthy understanding of Human Sexuality/ Respect of Sexual Orientation.
Anthropological Catholic Standard Conference – To develop an integral understanding of human person.
Mental Health Issue Conference – To be aware of personal mental condition (antecedents, behavior, consequence.)
Spiritual Accompaniment/ Counselling Conference – To develop affective prayer and affective maturity / to develop therapeutic alliance.

Growth Indicators

Ability to identify his thought and feelings(dynamics)
Humble acceptance of his behavior
Ability to master his-self tendencies
Ability to ask for help from (counseling, SD)
Able to manage emotion and self-regulation
Enhance self-determination and motivation

Intellectual Formation

The academic courses concentrate on the deepening of their understanding of philosophical disciplines, nationhood, the fundamentals in Catechesis and the basics in Liturgy. An in-depth reflection and introduction on understanding God, Morality, sacraments and church history are the focus of our philosophical discursive engagement in this level.

1st Semester

Modern Philosophy
Teaching Catechetics
Philosophy of Man
Metaphysics
Readings in Philippine History
Introduction to Liturgy
Asian Philosophy

2nd semester

Philosophy of God
Rational Psychology
Rizal
Contemporary Philosophy
Ethics/Christian Morality
Church History
Latin
Sacraments
Methods of Research

Growth Indicators

Seminarians acquired interests in reading books, writing critical reflections and establish personal academic resources.
Ability to compile & organize notes & reading materials
Shows interest in reading various books/articles etc.

Pastoral Formation

School and Evangelization

Throughout the formation year they will be assigned in school. Particularly in primary education. They are expected to deliver their prepared module base on each grade levels. Monthly mass also will be conducted, fostering awareness to the young and recollection giving for spiritual guidance. This is also an occasion for evangelization and discernment.

Best Practices

There will be occasions for them to articulate their experiences in group sharing and the writing of reflection papers. This will be done during the pastoral day.

Summer Program: Parish Exposure and Social Action programs.

Others:

Bloodletting and blood donation, are also humanitarian act that each seminarian uphold. They are attuned and aware of being a regular blood donor.
Another charitable act is the observance of gift giving every Christmas season to the less fortunate and street children.
Their situation is a calling to initiate an extending hand. Tree planting, also is an annual activity of the 4th year seminarians. This is there way of taking care for our common home.

DISCIPLESHIP YEAR THREE (DY3) - (SHIP)

Spiritual Formation

RFSN 207 “Through personal guidance and structural help, a seminarian will hopefully begin to appreciate the value of spiritual exercises beyond mere compliance with rules to develop the discipline necessary for a solid spiritual life, and to see the unity of prayer and life.

RFSN 209;

A seminarian must be taught to value the Word of God in personal prayer.
He must learn to consider the Scriptures as an indispensable part of his spiritual growth.
He has to love spiritual Reading, and lives of the saints and spiritual writings.

Best practices:

Meaningful liturgical celebrations (rfsn214)
Solemn benediction (rfsn215)
Visitations to blessed sacrament; consciousness examen
Sacrament of penance and continuous conversion
Liturgical and communal prayers
Eucharistic adorations and vigils
Devotion to BVM
Retreat and recollections to be designed according to the levels and needs of seminarians.
Bible sharing, stations of the cross, regular holy rosary, St. Peter’s prayer and novenas.

Growth Indicators

Commitment in Spiritual conversations, spiritual readings, spiritual writing, spiritual directions.

Human Formation

SERVANT LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL SKILLS AND PASTORAL CHARITY RESPONSIBLE FREEDOM

A seminarian must foster the atmosphere training of responsible freedom that enhances his journey towards adulthood.
Responsible freedom, properly understood, consists of freedom from the different forms of selfishness and individualism
To be ready to open out to others generous in dedication and services to one's neighbor.
This demands daily exercise for conscious, free and loving response to God revealing himself in the depths of one's conscience.

SOCIAL SKILLS

A seminarian must be formed to be sensitive to the needs of others
Guided to develop mature relationships. behavior appropriate to various social settings should also be inculcated.
Acceptance and appreciation of others, handling conflicts and differences,
And integration into community are some areas to focus on.
The effects of fragmentation of family’s due separation of parents, employment abroad, etc. are to be surfaced and faced.
The regionalism and division that characterize much of Philippine society already be addressed in community living.

SAFEGUARDING OF MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Knowledgeable of the protocols for safeguarding, taking responsibilities along this aspect.

LEADERSHIP

A seminarian should be encouraged to cultivate his potential for leadership.
Take an active role in the formation, such as taking initiative for visioning, animating groups, deliberating community rules.
Planning and managing activities, and collaborating with others should be provided.

CREATIVITY

A seminarian builds up his identity, he needs ample opportunities to utilize his gifts and talents.
His fertile imagination and abundant energies could likewise be channeled towards more creative and service-oriented expressions.

BEST PRACTICES

Discernment Activities/ Processing – To master inner freedom
Leadership Activities/ Processing – To hold on commitment
Family History/ Human Development Activities/ Processing – To be emotionally in touch
Personality Traits Activities/ Processing – To Develop self-acceptance/ love
Human Sexuality Conference – To develop a healthy understanding of Human Sexuality/ Respect of Sexual Orientation.
Anthropological Catholic Standard Conference – To develop an integral understanding of human person.
Mental Health Issue Conference – To be aware of personal mental condition (antecedents, behavior, consequence.)Spiritual Accompaniment/ Counselling Conference – To develop affective prayer and affective maturity / to develop therapeutic alliance.

BEST PRACTICES

Discernment Activities/ Processing – To master inner freedom
Leadership Activities/ Processing – To hold on commitment
Family History/ Human Development Activities/ Processing – To be emotionally in touch
Personality Traits Activities/ Processing – To Develop self-acceptance/ love
Human Sexuality Conference – To develop a healthy understanding of Human Sexuality/ Respect of Sexual Orientation.
Anthropological Catholic Standard Conference – To develop an integral understanding of human person.
Mental Health Issue Conference – To be aware of personal mental condition (antecedents, behavior, consequence.)
Spiritual Accompaniment/ Counselling Conference – To develop affective prayer and affective maturity / to develop therapeutic alliance.

Growth Indicators

Ability to self-sacrifice
Ability to set boundaries and engage in healthy friendships, creating spaces for growth.
Sense of responsibility to his work/office
Ability to handle sexual attraction

Intellectual Formation

Third year level is crucial. Here we intend to gauge the depth of the seminarians grasp of relevant tools for social analysis, moral valuations and self-consciousness, and self-articulations. Practicum of liturgical celebrations and services will be introduced at this level. The teaching profession is included in the study for the seminarians to be acquainted with skills for future use.

1st Semester

Political Philosophy
Moral Philosophy
Philosophy of science
Journalism
Epistemology
Values Integration
Liturgy/Practicum

2nd semester

Philosophy of Law
Tech for teaching and learning
British Literature
Introduction to Canon Law
New Evangelization
Philo of Religion
Philosophy of Language

Growth Indicators

Seminarians showed capacity for critical thinking and could indulge in philosophizing and articulation of one’s own ideas anchored on critical learnings and insights.
Could engage in healthy discourses
Shown capacity to philosophize

Pastoral Formation

Evangelization and Youth

Still the same on the previous year but having different audience. 3rd year seminarians will be assigned in the secondary education. They are expected to deliver their prepared module base on each grade levels. These modules are taken from the basic catechism of the Church especially on the sacraments. They also be exposed to the different religious sects whose students are enrolled of the said institution.
They are also expected to give recollections and retreats to any graduating class with their prepared topics and presentations.
On summer time they will be assigned in mission stations and parishes.
- Retreat and Recollection giving.
- Summer program: Mission stations and parish.
Others:
- Bloodletting and blood donation, are also humanitarian act that each seminarian uphold. They are attuned and aware of being a regular blood donor.
- Another charitable act is the observance of gift giving every Christmas season to the less fortunate and street children.
- Their situation is a calling to initiate an extending hand. Tree planting, also is an annual activity of the 4th year seminarians. This is there way of taking care for our common home.

DISCIPLESHIP YEAR FOUR (DY4) - (SHIP)

Spiritual Formation

RFSN 210 “The basics of spiritual direction are to be imparted to a seminarian at this stage. Through conferences and actual experiences of spiritual direction, a seminarian becomes at ease in sharing his interior life with a co-discerner.

A seminarian has to enrich the experience of spiritual direction and carries that discipline even in ordination

RFSN 212 Guided in the process of discernment

A seminarian can appreciate his fragile yet gifted self
Deepen his sense of vocation received from the Spirit, whether for the ordained ministry or other states of life.
Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints must be encouraged provide proper theological and spiritual foundations of these devotions

Best practices:

Meaningful liturgical celebrations (rfsn214)
Solemn benediction (rfsn215)
Visitations to blessed sacrament; consciousness examen
Sacrament of penance and continuous conversion
Liturgical and communal prayers
Eucharistic adorations and vigils
Devotion to BVM
Retreat and recollections to be designed according to the levels and needs of seminarians.
Bible sharing, stations of the cross, regular holy rosary, St. Peter’s prayer and novenas

Growth Indicators

Deep Motivational discernment, practice of Gospel values.

Human Formation

COMMITMENT AND ACCEPTANCE TO CANDIDACY

SENSITIVITY TO THE SIGN OF TIMES

Seminary formation at this stage cannot remain oblivious to pressing issues of the times, even if it has to guard itself from progressive ideologies and activism. opportunities must be given to seminaries for them to be informed about and even involved.
- Summer program: Mission stations and parish.
- Politics, globalization, justice and peace, inter-religious dialogue and the church that is poor and for the poor.
- Opportunities are meant to awaken and channel youthful idealism and energy into the area of social transformation.
- As they provide other areas of formation a strong grip on reality. Still, a sense of balance must, however, prevail.

OBEDIENCE AND DISCIPLINE

A seminarian must learn how to relate with authority figures with trust.
Problems in dealing with figures should be addressed in ways superior without abandoning discipline.
He must accept interdependence as concomitant with, and not contrary to, autonomy and inner directedness.

CRITICAL USE OF THE MEDIA AND THE DIGITAL HIGHWAY

The proper use of the media and ease with the digital world are integral parts of the development of various forms of addiction.

BEST PRACTICES

Discernment Activities/ Processing – To master inner freedom
Leadership Activities/ Processing – To hold on commitment
Family History/ Human Development Activities/ Processing – To be emotionally in touch
Personality Traits Activities/ Processing – To Develop self-acceptance/ love
Human Sexuality Conference – To develop a healthy understanding of Human Sexuality/ Respect of Sexual Orientation.
Anthropological Catholic Standard Conference – To develop an integral understanding of human person.
Mental Health Issue Conference – To be aware of personal mental condition (antecedents, behavior, consequence.)
Spiritual Accompaniment/ Counselling Conference – To develop affective prayer and affective maturity / to develop therapeutic alliance.

GROWTH INDICATORS

Ability to cope up with pressures, stress and trying times.
Emotional honesty, openness, and authenticity
Ability to obey those in authority

Intellectual Formation

On this level intensive attention is given on the seminarians’ preparation for the synthesis and the thesis writing. With presumptions that they can now articulate their own ideas and could argue rationally, ample time is given for personal studies and research. Some theological subjects are included at this level as an initial preparation for future studies in theology.

1st Semester

Post Modernism
Teaching Strategies
Philosophy of Education
Gospel of John
Christology
Synthesis

2nd semester

Philosophy of Beauty
PCP2 and other Church Documents
Philosophy of the Unconscious
Thesis Writing

Growth Indicators

Seminarians can articulate their ideas and learning through the comprehensive exams and thesis writing.

Pastoral Formation

Chapel Assignments (GKK)

4th year seminarians are exposed to a particular GKK. This is to show them the grassroots of the parish and the relevance of the GKK members which is peculiar to the local Church of Mindanao.
They will be one with them in the mass, liturgy of the Word and family visitation. Notable to mention is also giving basic catechesis. This is a whole year apostolate by which they are also allowed to have an overnight stay in the said community.
- 1st and 2nd semester Chapel Apostolate.
- Summer Program: Parish Assignment
Others:
- Bloodletting and blood donation, are also humanitarian act that each seminarian uphold. They are attuned and aware of being a regular blood donor.
- Another charitable act is the observance of gift giving every Christmas season to the less fortunate and street children.
- Their situation is a calling to initiate an extending hand. Tree planting, also is an annual activity of the 4th year seminarians. This is there way of taking care for our common home.