Ave Maria University |
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Program of Priestly Formation
Program of Priestly Formation
Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. Do not neglect the gifts you have been given, but attend to your duties; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. ( I Tim. 4:12-15)
The mission of the Ave Maria University Pre-Theologate is to assist men in the discernment of their vocation. In conformity with the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops Program of Priestly Formation, we provide the total environment for personal, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation appropriate to undergraduates preparing for entrance into a major seminary.
In Our Holy Father's apostolic letter, Pastores Dabo Vobis, we find his charge to have the Pre-Theologate as a component of priestly formation:
"I ask that there be a period of preparation prior to seminary formation. Candidates should have certain qualities: a right intention, a sufficient degree of human maturity, a sufficiently broad knowledge of the doctrine of the faith, an introduction to the methods of prayer and behavior in conformity with Christian tradition."
Our men participate in all the activities of Ave Maria University, as they share their prayer, classes, meals, study, recreation and sports with their classmates, men and women like themselves, who love the Lord and seek discernment of God's will for themselves. Since ours is a co-ed campus, the men are encouraged to have healthy, non-exclusive relationships with women, providing them ample opportunity to test their commitment to embrace the charism of priestly celibacy should they discern the vocation to priesthood or religious life.
Our close collaboration with the University Dean of Student Affairs, Dan Dentino, and his office guarantees the full and healthy integration of the men of the Pre-Theologate into every aspect of University life, liturgical, spiritual, social, athletic and academic. Our staff psychologist promotes the psychological and social wellness of all the men.
The formation of the whole person is essential for men preparing for the priesthood, as Pope John Paul II observes:
"In order that his ministry may be as humanly credible and acceptable as possible, it is important that the priest should mold his personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others. Future priests should therefore cultivate a sense of human qualities needed for them to be balanced people, strong and free, capable of bearing the weight of pastoral responsibilities."