Spiritual Formation

Christian spirituality is the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our spiritual life begins with Baptism and is a journey of faith throughout life. It is also in Baptism that we are ‘claimed by Christ’. A spiritual life without prayer is like a Gospel without Christ and to pray means to live and to think in the presence of God.

Unfortunately some young men entering seminary have not been exposed to a regular life of prayer. Their limited experience of prayer may also lead them into some confused ideas concerning the nature of prayer and of spirituality.

During this propaedeutic year all students will be trained and encouraged to value the great gift of prayer and to recognize how essential it is to our Christian vocation. Prayer is also the foundation in the building up of every Christian Community.

Developing a healthy spiritual life requires time and patience. It also requires training and knowledge. Throughout the year every student will have the opportunity to develop their spirituality and prayer life.

The proposed contents are as follows:

• An introduction to Prayer
• Methods of Praying
  • Lectio Divina
  • Silence
  • Meditation
  • Traditional Prayers eg: Rosary
  • Structure in Daily Prayer
  • Examination of Conscience
  • Devotion to Our Lady
• Liturgical Prayer
  • Mass
  • Divine Office
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
• Spiritual Direction
• Retreats and Recollections
• Spirituality of the Diocesan Priests
  • Day to day faith contacts
  • Role of the priest today
  • Hearing and passing on the Gospel