The pedagogy of the conferences will use varying lecture,
discussion and small group dynamics considering the
theme and nature of the topic.
Community Conferences
September 1, 2009 (entire community):
“Renaissance Priests:
Spiritual Fathers for the New Evangelization”
Father Wehner reviews with the entire community the
basic structure of priestly formation that is centered
on the four pillars and three priestly promises.
He will address each pillar explaining how they prepare
the seminarian for ministry according to the title
of this conference. He will also explain how obedience,
celibacy and prayer form the basis of how spiritual
fatherhood is exercised by diocesan priests. Father
Wehner will discuss the unique pontifical status
the Josephinum enjoys along with its implication
that seminarians be formed according to the thought
of Pope John Paul II’s theology of the new evangelization and Pope
Benedict’s view of priests as spiritual fathers
and renaissance priests. The conference will review
changes to the horarium, introduce new faculty members,
and explain the rector’s expectations of how
the community will function according to the mind
of the Church.
December 14, 2009:
“Measuring Discernment: A New Man in Christ” (collegians/pre-theologians)
The collegians and pre-theologians are completing the
first semester with a sense of how their discernment
of a priestly vocation is progressing. To be a good
priest, one needs to be a good man. Father Wehner will
review the objectives outlined in the PPF for each
of the four pillars in which each seminarian should
accept the principle of gradualism according to their
age and stage of formation. If a seminarian has been
pro-active in his formation, some measurement of his
progress can be discerned. Father Wehner will encourage
the seminarians to discern this measure over the Christmas
break.
“Priestly Identity: A
New Man in Christ" (theologians)
Conversion is a life-long experience for Christians.
The theologians are completing this first semester
bringing them another step closer to ordination.
Father Wehner will use the PPF to outline what the
Church is expecting in her priests considering the
four pillars of formation. The theologians will be
asked to discern how the human and spiritual virtues
are truly forming their hearts, minds and souls for
ordained ministry.
April 13, 2010:
“Vocational Dialogue: From Studies to Summer” (collegians/pre-theologians)
As the seminarians complete this year of formation,
some may be certain about a vocation to priesthood,
with others having no conclusion and even others who
may have doubts. Father Wehner will discuss how discernment
also involves the bishop, vocation director, his pastor
and other priests, his parents, friends and family
members, his parish, and even others. While the seminary
is primary community where he must encounter Christ,
himself, and even his own unworthiness, he must also
allow the Holy Spirit to speak in other settings. Father
Wehner will explain what the Church asks of seminarians
during the Summer and ways to keep discernment an active
process through daily Mass, liturgy of hours, private
prayer, devotion to Our Lady and the saints, contact
with those mentioned earlier and good rest.
April 20, 2010
“Integrated Formation – Integrated Ministry:
The Summer” (theologians I-II)
Theologians completing their first and second years
of theology are anticipating another step closer to
priestly ministry. Considering the requirements of
the Josephinum and their own diocese, theologians will
be in a pastoral setting during the Summer. The structure
of formation in the seminary provides the environment
for prayer, study and deliberate community life. Now,
the theologian must integrate that experience with
an environment where he enjoys the People of God. Accountability,
self-motivation, attention to responsibility, interaction
with young and old, are just some expectations a theologian
should place on himself. Father Wehner will encourage
the theologians to develop the practical and professional
goals the Church expects.
“In Persona Christi: Let Them Encounter Christ
in You” (theologians III-IV)
Most of these men will be ordained to the Order of
Deacon or Order of Presbyter in the weeks or months
to come. Father Wehner will use the Ordination Rite
to review how the Church sees their ministry as a
means for the faithful to experience Jesus Christ – liturgically,
sacramentally, and pastorally. Their initial exercise
of diaconal or priestly ministry is an opportunity
to express the mission of the new evangelization.
Every ordination is cause of joy for the Church.
She herself is renewed and the People of God look
forward to receiving in their midst a new ordained
deacon or priest. Let them encounter Christ in you.
April
30, 2010 (entire community):
“How We Began and Where We Are Going – Final
Weeks in this Year for Priests”
Father Wehner will summarize what the Church was
expecting of both seminarians and faculty this past
year and what is expected for us in the months ahead.
Drawing from the life experience of Saint John Vianney,
the goals of the PPF, and what bishops will expect
of seminarians over the Summer, Father Wehner will
suggest how the Year for Priests has opened a new
chapter for the Josephinum and for each of us as
priests, lay faithful, and seminarians.
I College
Conferences
Father Wehner’s first year conferences
will introduce the seminarians to the concept of
diocesan priestly spirituality – how that spirituality
is formed by pasturing the flock, how human and spiritual
virtues are cultivated for this spirituality, and
how one views this spirituality for effective ministry.
Father Wehner will demonstrate how the four pillars
can cultivate diocesan priestly spirituality and
how this spirituality serves as a foundation for
the three priestly promises.
August 24, 2009: “Why am I Here: The Life
and Language of Priestly Formation.” Father Wehner
will explain the governing documents of priestly formation,
the four pillars of formation, the three promises of
diocesan priests and how all this relates to the work
of “discernment” the new men are beginning.
October 6, 2009: “Diocesan Priestly Spirituality.”
Each
Catholic man has a spirituality that arises from
his faith in Jesus Christ. The spirituality of a
diocesan priest is unique, differentiated from those
in consecrated life, and related to his ministry
to the People of God. Father Wehner will introduce
how diocesan spirituality is formed considering the
four pillars of formation, the three priestly promises,
and new evangelization.
November 10, 2009: “Forming Your Spirituality
for the Cura Animarum.”
In this “Year of
the Priest” we reflect on how Saint John Vianney’s
priestly ministry was devoted to the salvation of souls.
What does priestly ministry look like today in the
United States? How do these circumstances affect a
diocesan priest’s spirituality? What never changes – what
are the universal qualities of diocesan priestly
spirituality?
February 9, 2010: “Human and Christian Maturity:
Signs of Healthy Spirituality.” The renaissance
priest is that happy, healthy, holy man who knows
himself, knows his sins and weaknesses, knows his
limitations, and knows his strengths, gifts, and
capabilities. Pastoral ministry requires a diocesan
priest to grieve with the dying, to be joyful with
the newly married, to discipline the wayward, to
love those hurt by the Church. A diocesan priest
needs to know boundaries. His spirituality governs
his own personhood and how he will minister to the
flock.
March 9, 2010: “Liturgical
and Theological Expressions of Spirituality.”
Father Wehner will discuss
liturgical and theological trends since the time
of the Second Vatican Council that have impacted
on how diocesan priests see themselves, understand
their priestly identity, and ultimately the spirituality
they possess as priests. As Christ penetrates our
entire being with our liturgical and theological
experiences of His Truth, seminarians and priests
are even more attuned to the needs of culture and
evangelizing the faithful.
II College Conferences
Father Wehner’s second
year conferences will explore priestly celibacy as
it relates to the seminarian’s
discernment of a priestly vocation, how it relates
to priestly ministry, how obedience and prayer influence
the cultivation of celibacy, and how the four pillars
form celibacy into a healthy and holy expression
of Christ’s love for his people in the very
person of the priest himself.
September 8, 2009: “Historical and Theological
Foundations of Priestly Celibacy.” Father Wehner
will trace the history of celibacy from Sacred Scripture
and Tradition, and how the Magisterium has given
direction about it to the Church.
October 13, 2009: “Understanding Our
Sexuality as a Gift for Celibacy.”
The renaissance priest
knows himself, is not a stranger to culture, has
healthy friendships with men and women, and understands
how being a man gifted with sexuality makes him an
effective minister of the Gospel.
January 19, 2010: “Cyberspace
Chastity Begins Now, Not Later.”
The use of social communication
is completely encouraged by the Church at all levels.
Father Wehner however will explain how social communication
does not replace personal ministry and how a certain
kind of chastity needs to be developed resulting
in a prudent, moderate, and appropriate use of the
internet.
February 16, 2010: “Personal Assessment
for Healthy Celibate Living.”
Father Wehner will
use the human virtues as the framework for one to
assess their psychosexual development related to
celibacy. He will also explain again how the four
pillars assist in the formation of priestly celibacy
that allows the seminarian and priest to the man
God has created us to be.
III College Conferences
Father Wehner’s third
year conferences will explore priestly obedience
as it relates to the seminarian’s
discernment of a priestly vocation, how it relates
to priestly ministry, how it relates to prayer and
celibacy, and how the four pillars form obedience
to be an expression of true freedom and self-giving
to the Church as lived for the bishop, those whose
authority we are under, for the People of God, and
ultimately for God’s providential plan.
September 15, 2009: “The Dialogical Dimensions
of Obedience.”
The concept of “obedience” comes
from the Latin which means “to listen.” The
seminarian is in a mode of listening but a listening
in which he too speaks – responding to the Holy
Spirit, to how the Church is challenging him through
formation, and one’s need for the grace of
humility modeled after Our Lady.
October 20, 2009: “The Dangers of Conditional
Obedience.”
Father Wehner will explore the “ecclesial” dimension
of obedience to distinguish it from an individualistic
view that often leaves a priest or seminarian with
a “me and my Jesus” complex. Similarly,
we will discuss how freedom in ministry requires
us to avoid the dangers of selectivity while also
helping us discern what our limitations are as men
and as priests.
January 26, 2010: “He Broke the Bread:
Obedience is a Vocation.”
The Eucharistic dimension of
obedience was lived by Jesus Himself, the Lamb of
God. The priest, who becomes a lamb must allow himself
to be broken and to lay down his life for others.
Third year collegians should be having a clear sense
of what priestly ministry entails and what bishops
expect from their priests.
February 23, 2010: “Priestly
Obedience is Trusting in Authority.”
The exercise
of authority is just as important as receiving it.
The diocesan priest experiences both. If he cannot
trust his bishop, why should his people trust him?
Similarly, he must not be afraid to exercise his authority,
trusting in the power of God and the truths of divine
revelation no matter how difficult the pastoral situation.
IV College Conferences
Diocesan spirituality, priestly
celibacy and priestly obedience are formed in the
seminarian by way of the four pillars and by experience,
education and formation that should position the
seminarian to answer the basic question – is
the Lord calling me to diocesan priesthood? Father
Wehner will use the rector’s conferences to
address final areas of discernment the men ought
to be considering.
September 29, 2009: “Virtues of Celibacy
and Obedience in a Culture of Modernity.”
Father
Wehner will ask the seminarians to discern the immutable
elements of celibacy and obedience with the changing
nature of cultural dynamics. What cultural influences
can assist the seminarian in his discernment? What
influences have tainted his view of priesthood? Does
the seminarian truly understand celibacy and obedience
as “virtue” or something to endure?
November 10, 2009: “The Ecclesial Dimension
of Priestly Spirituality.”
After several years
of seminary formation, does the seminarian see his
own development anchored in the life of the Church?
Is he a man of the Church or a man of ideology? Father
Wehner will reflect on how every ministry considers
the mind of the Church articulated by the Holy Father
and the diocesan bishop. Without the ecclesial dimension,
the priest can be seen only as a practitioner.
February
2, 2010: “Successful Discernment – Successful
Formation.”
Father Wehner will make distinctions
about what the Church is looking for in candidates
for the priesthood. Seminarians may have been successful
in their formation but this does not mean they are
necessarily called to priesthood. Seminarians may
have struggled in their formation but this does not
mean they are not called to priesthood. An honest
personal assessment, the challenge of a spiritual
director, the support of a formation advisor, and
the counsel of a bishop are just some of the indicators
to consider.
March 2, 2010: “From
Collegiate Discernment to Theologate Formation.”
As the seminarians
prepare for their final evaluation and consider the
Summer months, Father Wehner will review how the
Church distinguishes priestly formation in a theologate
from that of a college seminary. He will conclude
with an overview of how the seminary has instilled
in the seminarian a Renaissance influence which has
cultivated in him virtues desirable for priestly
ministry.
Pre-Theologian Conferences
Father Wehner will meet
with the pre-theologians as a group to discuss their
transition from school or career to seminary living.
These men typically have received an initial formation
touching on the four pillars and have demonstrated
virtuous living considering the three priestly promises.
Yet, ongoing conversion, discerning a priestly
vocation, stability and growth in the pillars of
formation, and an ability to live in community
must be demonstrated in order for the seminarian
to determine if the Lord is calling him to ordained
ministry.
August 24, 2009: “Why
am I Here: The Life and Language of Priestly Formation.”
Father
Wehner will explain the governing documents of priestly
formation, the four pillars of formation, the three
promises of diocesan priests and how all this relates
to the work of “discernment” the new
men are beginning. Pre-theologians usually bring
a more established experience in their personal formation.
They will now be challenged to embrace humility and
trust that priestly formation is not threatening
their freedom rather confirming it for the purposes
of discernment.
September 29, 2009: “From Layman’s
Spirituality to Diocesan Priestly Spirituality.”
The pre-theologian
already has some developed sense of his spirituality
and faith in Jesus Christ. Father Wehner will explore
how the spirituality of a diocesan priest is unique,
differentiated from those in consecrated life, and
related to his ministry to the People of God. Father
Wehner will introduce how diocesan spirituality is
formed considering the four pillars of formation,
the three priestly promises, and the new evangelization.
November 3, 2009: “Human Sexuality – Chastity – Priestly
Celibacy.”
The pre-theologian must understand
how his human sexuality as a man is essential for
how priestly ministry is lived in an effective, loving
way. Well-grounded virtuous living results in a true
freedom to embrace the gift of priestly celibacy.
February 2, 2010: “The
Ecclesial Dimension of Priestly Obedience.”
Pre-theologians already
have a good sense of self and independence. The quality
of interdependence is necessary for community living.
For example, obedience to those often younger than
he, or observing structures and schedules which can
limit one’s sense of independence is an exercise
of humility and charity necessary for community living.
Father Wehner will encourage the pre-theologians
to model the Christogical character of obedience.
March 2, 2010: “The Dynamism
of Complementarity.”
Pre-theologians
bring a good sense of self and even a real experience
of accomplishment. But what has he not yet experienced?
From CEO to sacristan – men need to learn the
basic ecclesiastical language and routine that many
collegians have already experienced. Pre-theologians
should not feel they are regressing. Rather, they
are discerning in a real way what each might be lacking
in their experience of the Church.
