A Seminarian's Reflections: What is Seminary? (Part 3)

Hello again! Hopefully, you saw Dan and I unpack the pastoral year in our video interview! In this month’s reflection, we will zoom out and recap some primary points before we continue our investigation.

In minor seminary, a man begins to cultivate a rhythm of prayer, study philosophy, and live in community.
In major seminary, he continues his spiritual, human, pastoral, and intellectual formation with graduate-level theological studies and seminary activities.

The requirements of major seminary take four years to complete, but because of the pastoral year, he has five years of formation to complete following his time in minor seminary.

Five years may seem like a long time to prepare for the priesthood, but along the way, he receives glimpses of and takes formal steps toward ordained ministry. During I theology (read “1st theology”), he is instituted as a lector. The Church asks instituted lectors to proclaim the Word of God (except the gospels) in liturgical settings.

In II theology (“2nd theology”), he is instituted as an acolyte. Acolytes can expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament, distribute holy communion, purify vessels, and assist in other liturgical duties. In the pastoral year, he is admitted to candidacy by publicly expressing his intention to serve the Church in ordained ministry. Dan Kushner’s admission to candidacy is pictured at right.

He then returns to his assigned major seminary for III (3rd) theology, after which he is ordained a transitional deacon.
(The term “transitional” simply indicates that he will transition from deacon to priest after approximately one year. In contrast, permanent deacons, once ordained, do not advance toward priesthood.)

Finally, he completes IV (4th) theology and makes final preparations for ordination to the priesthood. During the third and fourth years of theology, he continues to take theology classes, but he also begins to learn the practical aspects of ministry such as administering the sacraments, conducting funeral rites, and leading benediction.

IV Theology concludes the seminary process, but before we conclude our own investigation, we must answer some important, lingering questions. We will do so in our remaining reflections!