The propaedeutic stage is a key component of the 2016 Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis and the Program for Priestly Formation, sixth edition.
In 2021, The Saint Paul Seminary became one of the first North American seminaries to institute a propaedeutic stage formation program.
Around 20 men share in a life of prayer, study, recreation and fraternity at a former convent in St. Paul, Minnesota, just a few blocks from The Saint Paul Seminary’s main campus.
Aspirants meet twice a week as a group with the seminary’s staff psychologist to focus on personal growth, maturity, family background, concerns around anxiety and depression and the integration of chastity.
Aspirants fast from media including their phones, tablets, or computers throughout the year. An appropriate amount of technology use is allowed on Saturdays.
In addition to much prayer and reflection, the schedule includes weekly work in the community, from ministering to local underprivileged youth to working with Latino immigrants to performing maintenance and upkeep at a local convent.
Fr. John Floeder brings 10 years of seminary formation experience, living with and accompanying the men in their formation and discernment.
Participants learn the key tenets of discipleship from seminary faculty, including renowned scriptural expert and catechist Jeff Cavins.
