Priestly Formation

Sacred Heart offers a one-of-a-kind Propaedeutic Stage program which is provided on campus for seminarians living together in Dehon House, and off-site for seminarians living in a diocesan formation house. This stage lays the foundation of the formational journey, emphasizing human and spiritual development. It is also a time of grounding in essential Catholic doctrine, spiritual traditions, Scripture, and Catholic heritage excursions in preparation for seminary studies. Men live in a community of discernment and accompaniment, apart from the seminary, for 12 months to two years.

Location

The Dehon House is a beautiful five-bedroom home on campus which serves as the communal living space for the Propaedeutic stage. Men living here become familiar with Sacred Heart’s people, places, and prayer schedules, providing a smooth transition into seminary life. We are also collaborating with two other dioceses that are running their own propaedeutic programs but wanted to supplement with our Catholic heritage courses. This also helps men meet visa and loan deferral requirements.

Degree Tracks

Seminarians have the option to work toward either program:
1) Master of Arts in Catholic Studies or
2) Bachelor of Arts in University Studies with a minor in philosophy (B.A./M.Div. Program)

Links

• Flyer: Propaedeutic Stage
• Catalog: Propaedeutic Stage (pages 13-15)
• Bulletin: Propaedeutic Stage
• Bulletin: Propaedeutic Benchmarks

Continuing to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, seminarians move into philosophical studies. Through prayer and human formation, seminarians grow in the Christian virtues. The main goal of the Discipleship Stage is “growing in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the life of meditation and contemplation, as well as the training of one’s character in Christian virtue” (PPF6 no. 132). This stage normally lasts at least two years, continuing the discernment process of seminarians.

Degree Tracks

Seminarians have the option to work toward either program:
1) Master of Arts in Catholic Studies or
2) Bachelor of Arts in University Studies with a minor in philosophy (B.A./M.Div. Program)

Links

• Catalog: Discipleship Stage (pages 16-20) 
• Bulletin: Discipleship Stage 
• Bulletin: Discipleship Philosophy 

The Configuration Stage prepares men for Holy Orders, guiding seminarians in the sacrifice of self to be God’s shepherds. During the Configuration stage, seminarians are to be instituted to the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte, preparing more diligently for Holy Orders. They are to “enter profoundly into the contemplation of the person of Jesus Christ” (PPF6 no. 135) and integrate “the sentiments and attitudes of the Son, understood as self-offering for the pastoral care of the sheep” (PPF6 no. 136). There is also a focus on graduate-level theology concentrating on the knowledge of scripture, the divine mysteries, rooted in the Magisterium, ecumenical practices, and priestly ministry (PPF6 no. 135).

Degree Tracks

Seminarians may choose to work toward multiple programs:
1) Master of Divinity
2) Master of Arts in Theology
3) Pontifical Baccalaureate in Theology (S.T.B.)
4) Individualized Formation Track with Modified M.Div. Curriculum

Links

• Catalog: Configuration Stage (pages 21-36) 
• Bulletin: Configuration Benchmarks 
• Bulletin: Configuration Theology 

The Vocational Synthesis Stage “is a gradual realization of the cleric’s responsibility for the care of the souls while he resides full-time in a pastoral setting, usually a parish” (PPF6, no. 137). The goal of this stage is to introduce seminarians (some as newly ordained deacons) to the daily experiences of priestly life and pastoral service. Seminarians apply the knowledge, skills, and spiritual development gained through seminary formation to serve ministries within their diocese or ecclesial entity. SHSST can work with sponsors on placements, benchmarks, rubrics, and training for supervising priests.

Links

• Catalog: Vocational Synthesis Stage (page 36) 
• Bulletin: Vocational Synthesis Stage 
• Bulletin: Vocational Synthesis Benchmarks