Ave Maria University |
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Dean's Message
Message from the Dean of the Pre-Theologate Program
On The Way To Priesthood
The Pre-Theologate program at Ave Maria University is one of the most attractive for young men who are discerning their vocation to the priesthood, religious life, or married life. The program strives to support student intellectual and spiritual growth and bring balance to their lives; balancing academic life with prayer, socializing, and physical exercise. In this way they are also encouraged to improve time management skills and academic habits to study more efficiently. The program provides a Catholic environment where students may develop social skills while maturing in character. Such a community helps young men to develop personal responsibility and stability, to build self-confidence and determination essential to proper priestly formation.
Three priests directly involved in the human and spiritual formation of Pre-Theologate students are: Fr. Eamon McManus and Fr. Robert J. McTeigue, S.J. as spiritual directors and myself - as Acting Dean of the program. It is a great privilege for me to work with such gifted students that bring to Ave Maria richness of knowledge, previous experience, and individual wisdom.
The process of formation is composed of three major components; spiritual formation, academic formation, and human formation.
Spiritual formation is the basis for every other training in life; it is the introduction to a deep spiritual life by individual prayer and meditation based on reading of the Holy Scripture, daily participation in the celebration of Eucharist, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, daily rosary, frequent confession, and regular meetings with their spiritual directors. The academic formation includes classes in philosophy and theology and stresses classical education based on classical languages, Latin and Greek. This academic excellence is essential for the intellectual life of all students; the motivation is for a deeper understanding of our faith. The human formation is crucial to the process of growing in maturity. Xavier Hall is the house for young men who would like to enter into the process of discernment. By their commitment to the program the Pre-Theologate students will come to properly determine their real vocation.
The program continues to grow each year. The number of students committed to the program varies between 35 and 45 at any one time. The Pre-Theologate program's success is seen in the vocation of its graduates. Two graduated students from this program were recently ordained to the priesthood. Fr. Shawn Conoboy was ordained on July 29th 2006 for the Diocese of Youngstown, OH and Fr. Jeremiah Payne was ordained on June 16th 2007 for the Diocese of Orlando, FL. In addition, Bryan W. Jerabek, class of 2004, was ordained as a transitional deacon on March 3rd, 2007 for the Diocese of Birmingham, AL. Currently, ten graduated students are studying in major seminaries. The Pre-Theologate program is supportive for the vocation to the priesthood for this diocese, Diocese of Venice, led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. One of our alumni is studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and will soon be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Venice. Many Pre-Theologate students are affiliated with the different dioceses.
We are building a faith filled community one student at a time. Priesthood is the great gift of God to humankind, as it realizes the presence of Christ in the Eucharist for the Church. Please continue to help the Pre-Theologate students in their discernment process by generously providing scholarships for them. Your help is fundamental in helping us to accomplish our goal. The students are grateful to you for your support and prayers.
If you would like to send us your prayer requests, we will remember them in the Pre-Theologate daily prayers and Masses.
Wishing you God's blessings,
Fr. Piotr Paciorek