Human | Spiritual
| Intellectual
| Pastoral
Human Formation
Human formation at the college level aims at helping
seminarians attain full adult maturity. The first
step in personal growth is a good knowledge of self.
Students are encouraged to develop their personal
qualities and to address any personal problems that
would hamper their effectiveness as priests. A primary
goal is the attainment of affective maturity as a
condition for living chaste celibacy. In addition,
collegians focus on developing leadership qualities
and skills; they learn how to be obedient and to exercise
authority in appropriate ways.
Spiritual Formation
The aim of spiritual formation in the College is
twofold: to cultivate the personal prayer life and
spiritual growth of the seminarian, and to foster
an understanding of and love for the liturgical life
of the Church. Spiritual direction and regular group
conferences deepen the student’s appreciation
of and involvement in the rich spiritual heritage
of the Catholic faith. Each student participates in
the liturgy as acolyte and lector, and some are involved
in planning liturgical music and as cantors.
Intellectual Formation
A liberal arts education is an ideal foundation
for a life of Christian fidelity and service, and
it readies students for graduate studies in theology
while developing balanced study habits, critical thinking
skills, cultural insights, and a depth of understanding
of the human condition. The core curriculum is rooted
in a broad spectrum of academic disciplines designed
to promote and deepen understanding of our faith tradition
as Catholics: Philosophy, English Composition and
Literature, Theology, Latin and Modern Languages,
History, Science, Social Science, Mathematics, Speech,
Fine Arts, and Physical Education.
The College of Liberal Arts offers a Bachelor of
Arts degree with a major in Philosophy or in the Humanities.
The latter offers an interdisciplinary degree with
a concentration in one of four tracks: Literature,
Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies, History, or
Classical Studies. The average rate of entrance to
a theologate from the Josephinum’s College of
Liberal Arts is 81%.
Pastoral Formation
Forms for Supervisors for 2009-10:
As a means of achieving the goals of education and
service, college seminarians are provided supervised
occasions to grow in practical knowledge of pastoral
skills by being of service to the local community.
Through periodic reflections, mentoring, and assessment,
the seminarian has the opportunity to articulate his
experiences.
Pastoral placements include, among others, ministry
with the incarcerated, with parish youth groups, with
the elderly in assisted-living facilities, with young
people at the Salesian Center, and with the disabled
via Special Olympics. Placements change yearly, so
the seminarian’s social awareness and pastoral
skills are developed over time.
