A bridge to the priesthood
The Saint Paul Seminary model for the vocational synthesis stage is designed to support the transitional deacon in his transition from seminarian to priest, recognizing that formation is an ongoing and lifelong process.
The Program for Priestly Formation, Sixth Edition (PPF6) requires a seminarian to spend six months in his home diocese as part of this stage; The Saint Paul Seminary model equips bishops, vocation directors and directors of seminarians to:
- Guide the deacon through the experience of integrating his seminary formation into a cohesive pastoral identity.
- Allow him to experience firsthand the challenges and joys of ordained ministry.
- Accompany him as he makes his transition into living the fullness of his priestly call.
During the vocational synthesis stage, the seminary will offer a list of best practices for the seminarian to use in his transition to diocesan ministry, including spiritual direction, counseling, life skills, priestly fraternity and participation in clergy gatherings.
What to expect
Vocational synthesis mentor pastors
A key component of vocational synthesis is the bishop's selection of a mentor pastor to walk with the seminarian during this final stage of formation. Mentor pastors will be equipped with the resources necessary to serve in this important role.
- Formation pastor workshop at The Saint Paul Seminary for mentor pastors assigned a new deacon
- Summer site visit from the seminary pastoral formation team
- Seminary formator to work with seminarian on growth goals for vocational synthesis stage; available for three-way conversation with seminarian and mentor pastor
- 1:1 mentoring/coaching available for mentor pastor
- Seminary Formation Council to offer more robust and in-depth training in partnership with The Saint Paul Seminary