(a) Cycle 1 comprises the first two years (four semesters) of seminary studies in preparation for ordained ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. In these two years the foundation is laid and the "tools" provided for the philosophical, theological and pastoral studies that are to follow in the subsequent cycles.  There is a major focus on introducing students to "the Mystery of Christ and Salvation History" and on enabling them "to appreciate the idea which lies behind ecclesiastical studies, their general plan and connection with the apostolate". (RF no. 62).  Accordingly, in cycle 1 there are introductory courses in major areas recommended in the RF. 
These include courses in:

1. Biblical Studies (including fundamentals of New Testament Greek) - RF no.78;
2. Systematic Philosophy - RF no.71;
3. Human Sciences (Sociology and Psychology) - RF nos.69, 70; cf. Optatam Totius, 20;
4. Caribbean Literature (RF no. 69)
5. Basic Christian Doctrine (in preparation for systematic/dogmatic Theology);
6. Spirituality/Prayer/ Lectio Divina/The Eucharist - RF no.44ff.;
7. Mass Media Communication - RF no.68; cf.
8. English - RF no.67;
9. Latin - RF no.66
10. Missiology - Prot.N. 902/93 Congregatio pro Gentium Evangelizatione.

(b) Students normally take five three-credit courses each semester, which makes a total of twenty courses to complete the first cycle. Each course is taught for three hours per week.

(c) The courses taught in the first cycle are listed below in groups of five, as they are typically offered. Descriptions of the contents of these courses are available at the seminary.

Semester 1:

-- Introduction to Old Testament (narrative texts)

-- Introduction to Philosophy

-- Introduction to Psychology I

-- Prayer in the Christian Tradition

-- English

Semester 2:

-- The Gospels - Lectio Divina

-- Logic

-- Introduction to Psychology II

-- Spirituality for Ministry

-- Basic Christian Latin

Semester 3:

-- The Eucharist/The Divine Office

-- Epistemology

-- Introduction to Sociology (the Caribbean) I

-- Basic Christian Doctrine/Perspectives on Vatican II

-- Fundamentals of New Testament Greek

Semester 4:

-- Missiology - Biblical Foundations for Mission

-- Metaphysics

-- Introduction to Caribbean Literature

-- Christian Living - The Beatitudes and the "Seven Deadly Sins"

-- Communicating via Mass Media - cf. the Guide to the Training of Future PriestsConcerning the Instruments of Social Communication (Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome,1986)

Candidates for sacred ordination are normally expected to have completed the above-listed courses before being admitted to the second cycle. 

(d) Admission to the cycle 1 programme:

Candidates for the Diocesan clergy are normally admitted to the first cycle of seminary studies after completion of the Pre-Seminary programme established by the AEC. 

Candidates from clerical religious communities are admitted to the first cycle on the recommendation of their religious superior.

"Occasional students" who wish to register particular courses offered in the cycle 1 programme may, with the approval of the seminary authorities, be so registered.

For additional information refer to the present course offerings.