The Propaedeutic Stage is an introductory, yet intensely focused, stage that lays a solid foundation for the discernment journey of seminarians, providing them with a period of time to grow in prayer, trust, and fraternity.
Seminarians in the Propaedeutic Stage are given close, personal attention by the Community of Formators. Priests are present and engaged in the seminarians’ daily lives and take seriously their role in forming men who may one day serve God and His people through the priesthood.
Seminarians are assessed by the Community of Formators in formation meetings and summative evaluations. Bishops and Directors of Vocations are kept apprised of their seminarians’ progress, and are welcome and frequent visitors to campus.
Following successful completion of this stage, a man who requests to continue his formation will possess a solid foundation of prayer, increased self-awareness, a spirit of generosity, and the necessary receptivity to embrace and thrive in subsequent stages of formation.
Living space set apart from seminarians in other stages
A distinct horarium (daily schedule)
A chapel dedicated to personal prayer and liturgies
Spiritual direction and formation advisor meetings with priest formators
Seminars on the priesthood, celibacy, and Catholic traditions and practices
Experiences in parish settings
Engagement in charitable works
Cultural experiences
Activities in their home dioceses
For more information about the Propaedeutic Stage at the Josephinum, please contact us.