A Seminarian's Reflections: What is Seminary? (Part 4)

Welcome back!

We have examined the seminary process in great detail. Hopefully, you have learned something about the journey a man takes toward ordination!

In this edition, we will see how a seminarian spends his summer and holiday breaks, key components of formation.

During a man’s time at Saint Paul Seminary, he may either spend his summer(s) in a parish (his home parish or another parish in the diocese) or work a summer job. The faculty determines the best way for a man to continue his discernment and his formation away from the seminary. On holiday breaks and free weekends, men generally assist in their home parishes.

After a man finishes his formation at Saint Paul Seminary (and before he begins his major seminary assignment), he completes the Saint Paul Seminary Summer Priestly Spirituality Program, an eight-week formation program that includes personality and strength-finding tests aimed at giving the man a clearer picture of how God has uniquely created him, a one-week Theology of the Body course, a silent retreat, a pastoral immersion week filled with direct service, visits with priests and older seminarians around the diocese, and brotherhood days.

As I have mentioned, theology marks a turning point in a man’s formation and begins more formal preparation for ordained ministry. Accordingly, to create continuity and establish a long-term relationship between a man and a parish (as in priestly ministry), he receives the same parish assignment at three different points:

• Summer after I theology
• Pastoral year
• Before and during IV Theology

As an example, I spent my summer at Resurrection Parish (St. Thomas More and St. John Capistran in Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair). I fully expect to return in June and begin my pastoral year. I will already have met the clergy and staff, so I can immediately begin projects and ministries!)

Right now, I am “between assignments” in the South Hills, so I will have the opportunity to serve here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish until the summer.

We are approaching the end of our series on seminary formation. In remaining articles, we will consider some of the key players, the people who provide our formation!