The seminary’s two-year Discipleship Stage is designed for priesthood candidates who have an undergraduate degree but did not attend college seminary. They receive thorough formation specifically oriented to coming to full maturity as a disciple who desires to be a priest.
The curriculum includes a broad foundation in philosophy, as outlined in the Program of Priestly Formation (PPF). Seminarians examine the contributions of philosophy in areas such as metaphysics, the nature of the human person, epistemology and ethics. The program also offers an introduction to the Old and New Testaments and a solid foundation in Church documents and teaching.
These seminarians participate in the seminary’s prayer and community life while also benefiting from strong fraternity and prayer among themselves. As part of the discipleship stage of formation, these seminarians work with their formation and spiritual directors, who accompany them in the four dimensions of formation. They attend classes both at The Saint Paul Seminary and the University of St. Thomas.