Spiritual Formation at St Charles' Seminary

What is Spiritual Formation? What actually happens in a seminary to assist seminarians to develop their spiritual life?

The identity of the priest, his life and ministry are founded on Jesus the priest. Therefore an intimate relationship with Jesus and personal conversational prayer are crucial. For these to develop, a seminarian needs to value silence, and a reflective attitude to life. What can be very helpful in all of this is daily meditation, the annual retreat and days of reflection.

The Church also has some time honored ways to develop our spiritual life which include:

The Word of God; this is foundational and it needs to be understood, meditated on and integrated into daily life. The Eucharist; its proper preparation and devotion, of course has a central place in the life of the seminary because of its central place in the life and ministry of the priest. The Divine Office or Prayer of the Church is another crucial aspect of the spiritual life of a priest. The Rosary and devotion to Mary, a treasure of Catholic spirituality, along with other private devotions are also an essential part of one's spiritual formation.

The formal study of catholic spirituality occurs in a four stage program, spread over four years. It explores the development of catholic spirituality in the history of the Church. We also look at and learn from the lives of the saints, especially the founders of the major Religious Orders and Congregations, for they have also much to offer to the diocesan priest...for example the spirituality of St Ignatius is most helpful in the area of discernment.

Celibacy is a most important element of spiritual formation. We need to have a proper understanding of what celibacy means and asks of priests, so that we can have a personal appreciation and commitment to this Gift from God. In a very powerful way celibacy can unite the priest's search for intimacy with God and his love for the people entrusted to his care. This union is a life time quest and it can be especially profound in our preferential love for the 'poor'.

Finally every seminarian has a spiritual director or guide to assist him in his spiritual journey. Spiritual formation is all about developing a priest who is a man of prayer and a leader.

Human Formation at St Charles' Seminary

Human Formation is centred on five academic units and regular individual sessions with a professional counsellor.

All academic units are taught at university standard and apply academic theories to reflective understanding of self and others, and to future Priestly Ministry. They also emphasise: - women's perspectives, understanding cultural influences, sensitivity to minority groups and to people with special needs.

The five academic units are: -
"Human Development" study of birth to death life span,
"Family Dynamics" a systems perspective of family relationships,
"Communication" helps understand own and other peoples' communicating patterns,
"Counselling" (2) units while not providing training for professional counsellors, recognize that Priestly Ministry encounters many counselling situations that require basic counselling skills and may be helped by some of the simple counselling styles. Special attention is paid to maintaining appropriate personal boundaries and recognizing when to refer one for specialist help.

Individual counselling sessions are non-threatening, confidential and allow seminarians to discuss personal concerns.

Academic Formation

Academic formation is one of four fundamental components of preparation for priesthood. Residents of St Charles' Seminary have the opportunity, with the guidance of the competent member of the formation staff, to study subjects that complement the pastoral, human and spiritual dimensions of their preparation and equip them for a ministry that is professional, authoritative and selfless.

The first year at the Seminary has an essentially introductory purpose. Classroom work takes second place as students make the transition to the rhythm and structures of Seminary life. During this time, however, the Seminary also acquaints them with the requirements for academic work that is both fruitful and of an acceptable standard.

The following two years are marked with an emphasis on philosophical studies in accordance with the instructions of the Apostolic See. At this time, students attend classes at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle for the majority of these subjects. Accordingly, students can enrol for a Bachelor of Arts, or in some cases, a Bachelor of Theology degree. The flexibility built into this part of the programme is intended to help students consider the options they have in relation to the second part of their academic formation.

Part if not all of the fourth year of a student's preparation is devoted to placement in a parish. The Seminary regards this experience as an important time of discernment, and as a necessary prelude to a student applying to his Bishop for enrolment as a candidate for Orders. In consultation with the competent member of the formation staff, a student may attempt some academic work during this period.

The remainder of the academic programme is dedicated to theological studies. Depending on an individual student's progress, capabilities and the needs of his diocese he may, for example, spend some time in study overseas or specialise in a particular sacred science. Normally, the final year embraces a series of integrated sacramental subjects taught at the Seminary, with a significant time allocated for training in the more practical areas of liturgical leadership

Pastoral Placement at St Charles' Seminary

Seminarians in Years 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7 are placed in different parish each year, for a period of four weeks. They agree to a supervised contract and a review at the conclusion of the placement.

Seminarians in Year 3 experience a variety of agencies in the Archdiocese, as listed below, with a review at the conclusion of the placement.

St Vincent de Paul, Emmanuel Centre, Catherine McCauley Mercy Community Services, Crossroads Community, Catholic Pastoral Centre, Catholic Migrant Centre, Royal Perth Hospital, St John of God Hospital, Pregnancy Assistance Inc., Respect Life Office, Catholic Education Office, Personal Advocacy Service, Catholic Marriage Education Services, Catholic Marriage Tribunal.