A. 1. Ongoing Formation for Clergy

"Permanent or ongoing formation, precisely because it is 'permanent', should always be a part of the priest's life. (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 76) Ongoing formation of priests takes place in meetings of the bishop with his presbyterate, spiritual gatherings of priests, study workshops and sessions for reflection, forms of common life, priestly associations and spiritual direction. Sabbatical leave of a longer period of time away from regular pastoral ministry also forms part of a priest's ongoing formation. However, sabbaticals are not a regular occurrence in the life of a priest. Bishops are responsible for the ongoing formation of their priests. This responsibility should be undertaken in an organized and established way. At the same time the priest himself has the primary responsibility for his own formation and is the one who is most involved in his own ongoing formation.

2. Four Aspects of Ongoing Formation

Ongoing formation is not a repetition or expansion of courses offered in the Seminary, even with new and practical suggestions. "Ongoing formation involves relatively new content and especially methods; it develops as a harmonious and vital process which — rooted in the formation received in the Seminary — calls for adaptations, updating and modifications, but without sharp breaks in continuity." (lb, 71)

While four aspects or dimensions are treated, following on the four dimensions of fundamental formation in the Seminary, these are not to be considered as unrelated. They should be molded by pastoral charity which will coordinate and unify them. All four together promote a general and integral process of constant growth.

1. Human Aspect

   It is necessary that the priest sharpen his human sensitivity to understand the needs of people. This will deepen his pastoral love and care for them.




2. Spiritual Dimension

   Without a spiritual life the priestly ministry cannot be genuinely and spiritually fruitful. A prayer life must be developed. How one prayed in the past is no guarantee that this form of prayer is valid in the present. Study of the Liturgy of the Hours, which the Church offers to priests as an essential part of their daily ministry, is necessary. Pastoral ministry demands that priests be living models of holiness for the people.




3. Intellectual Dimension

   There needs to be a commitment to theological study and a knowledge of modern culture, particularly in the local setting. The priest is not a promoter of human opinions but proclaims God's word and Church teaching clearly and without ambiguity. This is his service to the People of God.




4. Pastoral Aspect

   "Ongoing formation helps the priest to overcome the temptation to reduce his ministry to an activism which becomes an end in itself, to the provision of impersonal services, even if these are spiritual or sacred, or to a business–like function which he carries out for the Church." (Ib, 72)

3. The Regional Seminary as an Agent of Ongoing Formation

A role of the Regional Seminary is to collaborate with the bishops in the ongoing formation of priests. The Seminary can offer workshops and programmes that will benefit priests at different stages in their ministry. Programmes suitable for the recently ordained, those in their middle years and older priests can be of great service to the priests of our dioceses. While some of these workshops or programmes would be organized at the Seminary itself, it is envisioned that individuals or a traveling team from the Seminary would actually spend time in different dioceses to conduct these ongoing formation programmes.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of ongoing formation in the life of the priest. Priests are. therefore, expected to make this a priority in the structure of their lives.

B. External Students: Religious and Lay

The Regional Seminary, as an affiliated theological college of the University of the West Indies, provides an opportunity for religious and laity to pursue a degree in theology. Many religious institutes send their students to the Seminary to follow their studies for priesthood. Religious Congregations of women and lay people avail of the courses provided there to equip them for their apostolates and service of the Church.

The Seminary welcomes external students and provides for them. However, the distinction between seminarians and external students must be recognized and maintained for the well being of the Seminary. This is first and foremost a formation centre for men studying and preparing for the diocesan priesthood.

C. Role of the Regional Seminary in the Life of the Caribbean Church

The future of the Church in the Caribbean passes by way of the Regional Seminary since future priests will be its first fruits. Its role is to integrate the clergy and all those who are formed in the work of evangelization.