“The basic principle of spiritual formation is…to live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. This is the foundational call to discipleship and conversion of heart. Those who aspire to be sent on mission, as the apostles were, must first acquire the listening and learning heart of disciples.”
(PPF, 107)
Overview
The spiritual formation program at Bishop White Seminary helps seminarians develop the foundation of a healthy, balanced spiritual life suitable to diocesan priestly life. This balance includes daily private prayer, daily Mass, regular confession. With the help of the faculty, especially his spiritual director, seminarians are introduced to the rich tradition of the Church and learn the methods of lectio divina, meditation, and the daily examen.
Benchmarks of Spiritual Formation
The following are benchmarks for which a seminarian should strive to provide concrete evidence:
Initial Engagement Stage
(First 1-2 Years at BWS)
Goal: Each Bishop White seminarian will demonstrate that he lives a balanced life of prayer, study, and fraternity, and apostolic charity, with an appropriate docility to formation.
Discipleship Stge
(Final 2-3 years at BWS)
Goal: Each graduate of Bishop White Seminary will demonstrate that he understands his vocation, has acquired the freedom to embrace it, and, if he is called to the Holy Priesthood, is prepared to begin proximate preparation for Holy Orders.