The academic programme for priestly formation is an integrated philosophy/theology programme spread over six academic years (cf.C.I.C. can.250). This is in keeping with the Decree on the Training of Priests of the Second Vatican Council which called for "a more effective coordination of philosophy and theology so that they supplement one another in revealing to the minds of the students with ever increasing clarity the Mystery of Christ..." (Optatam Totius, no.14; cf. RF no.60). Students are normally registered for thirty credits of academic courses per year (or fifteen credits each semester), but permission may be sought from the Dean of Studies to register for additional elective courses. Such permission is granted only in those cases where the seminary authorities judge that the student is capable, and the additional course load would be of benefit to that student.

The six-year programme is organized in three "cycles" of two years each, the first cycle comprising introductory material, the second cycle the intermediate and the third cycle the advanced courses in philosophy, theology, pastoral studies, and related disciplines. Special attention is paid in all courses to the peculiar characteristics of the pastoral situation in which ordained ministers are called to serve in the region of the AEC. In addition, there are particular courses on the culture, literature, social conditions and religions of the Caribbean, so that priestly formation, while carefully observing the principles laid down for the Universal Church, is truly situated in the context of the region (RF nos.65-69; see List of course offerings in the three-cycle programme - Part II, below).

During their studies in the second and third cycles, those candidates for the priesthood who meet the requirements for admission to the University of the West Indies (UWI) may have their studies accredited by the university and may earn the B.A.(Theology) degree or, a somewhat lower qualification, the Licentiate in Theology. [In UWI terminology the Licentiate is a "Certificate" while the B.A. is a "Degree". Hence the requirements for the former are less than the requirements for the latter - see the Brochure of UWI's Faculty of Humanities and Education.]

After completion of the first (two-year) cycle, candidates for the diocesan priesthood normally enter the "Spiritual/Pastoral Year" before beginning studies in the second cycle. During the spiritual year, special courses in biblical, liturgical and priestly spirituality are taught in the first semester, while in the second semester the candidates enter a practical programme of pastoral formation in a parish setting. The aim of the spiritual/pastoral year is to provide an intensive period of spiritual and pastoral formation after the first two years of seminary studies so that the candidates may gain a clearer sense of focus and direction toward the goal of priestly ministry as they enter upon the two remaining cycles of study in preparation for ordination (Optatam Totius no.12). At the completion of the third cycle, candidates for the priesthood are ordained to the diaconate, and there follows a period of supervised pastoral ministry in the candidate's own diocese or religious community, normally lasting from six months to one year, before ordination to the priesthood or presbyterate.

Other Academic Programmes

As indicated in Section 1 above, the courses offered at the Regional Seminary are also open to persons who are not preparing for ordained ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. Such persons, religious and lay, Catholic or non-Catholic may, with the approval of the seminary authorities, register either on a full-time or a part-time basis, either for a limited number of courses or for the UWI-accredited programmes.

Accreditation

Since 1970 the Regional Seminary has been an Affiliated Theological College of the University of the West Indies (UWI). Hence, the academic programmes offered here are accredited by the UWI and students who meet the entrance requirements of the university, and who successfully complete, in addition to their programme of theological studies, those "Foundation Courses" (covering areas such as English, Caribbean Civilization and Caribbean Studies) which are required of all students of the university, may have their studies accredited by the university, thus earning a Licentiate in Theology or a B.A. (Theology). This arrangement is in keeping with the Ordinances of the UWI where, under the title "Affiliated Colleges and Institutions", the following principle is stated:

“Notwithstanding that any subject may not be taught within the University, the University may recognize a College or other Institution in which such subject is taught and may recognize such subject as a subject for a certificate, diploma, degree or other qualification of the University. (15, 6) ” - emphasis added.

Students who do not register for the Licentiate or the B.A. (Theology) receive a Diploma from the seminary upon successful completion of their studies. Such a Diploma is also issued to those students who successfully complete the requirements for the award of the UWI certificate or degree.

For more information see Plan of Formation I