Formation
Formed in mind, body, and spirit.
Formation at Borromeo begins by drawing close to Jesus Christ. You will gradually become a shepherd called to give his life in service to the people of God.
That formation happens across four dimensions, woven into one journey.
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The Four Pillars
The four pillars of formation
Human formation
A priest should be a bridge to Christ, not an obstacle. Human formation builds the character, maturity, and relationships that make that possible. It is lived in the ordinary parts of seminary life: Thursday Mass at the seminary, athletics and tournaments, concerts and plays, museums, and shared meals with the men you live beside.
Spiritual formation
A man preparing for the priesthood forms the habit of drawing close to Christ in every part of his day. At Borromeo that looks like daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Adoration, Confession, and spiritual direction, along with spiritual formation classes, retreats at the start of each semester, pilgrimages, and days of reflection.
Intellectual formation
The study of philosophy and theology gives a future priest the grounding to teach, to preach, and to lead. You take an integrated sequence at the seminary while completing your degree at John Carroll University.
Pastoral formation
A priest is trained to represent Christ the shepherd, who came to serve rather than to be served. Pastoral formation puts that into practice through Saturday service, internships, and service assignments in the wider community.
The Journey
The stages of formation
Formation is a lifelong journey. The stages below lay out what a man can expect, from his first year through ordination. The early stages happen at Borromeo. The later stages continue at Saint Mary Seminary.
1
Propaedeutic stage
The foundation. This stage builds a man's life of prayer, study, and fraternity, focusing in a concentrated way on the human and spiritual dimensions so he is ready for everything that follows.
2
Propaedeutic Immersion Year
The Immersion Year steps out of the noise of the surrounding culture for a time so a man can learn to listen deeply to God. He then reengages the culture with clearer eyes, keeping what is good and letting go of what is not, as he begins the rest of his formation.
3
Discipleship stage
A rigorous, systematic stage centered on growing in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and forming Christian virtue. The study of philosophy happens here.
4
Configuration stage
A man begins to take on a priestly identity, conforming himself to Christ the shepherd. The ministries of lector and acolyte are conferred during this stage. The study of theology takes place at Saint Mary Seminary.
5
Vocational synthesis stage
The final stage before priestly ordination. As a deacon, a man enters fully into the life and ministry of a cleric, preparing to take up the duties of a priest.
Wondering if God is calling you to the priesthood?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
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