Hispanic Formation Program Options

Our new Hispanic ministry formation program offers a great deal of flexibility, tailoring the components to meet the needs of local Church communities. At Saint Meinrad, we are proud to offer these quality programs for the life of the Church.

Spanish Language
Seminarians gain fluency in Spanish at a proficiency expected by the diocese or religious community. The options include:

Campus Programs—Our on-campus programs in Spanish language have been successful in preparing seminarians to preside at liturgies, counsel Spanish-speaking parishioners and perform other pastoral works. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of study are available, as well as specialized training in liturgical Spanish. Special multi-media programs assist seminarians in gaining the expected proficiency.

Immersion Programs—Intensive programs in Guatemala, Mexico and the United States are tailored to the needs of individual seminarians and dioceses. The immersion programs, offered in January and during the summer, are closely monitored by Saint Meinrad faculty. Each seminarian enrolled in an immersion program is visited during the course of his program by a Saint Meinrad staff member to evaluate progress.

Cultural Awareness
All seminarians take a specialized core course in cultural awareness. This interdisciplinary course teaches Hispanic seminarians about U.S. church practices and traditions and helps U.S. seminarians understand the dynamics of Hispanic communities. The goal is a greater intercultural awareness and sensitivity that translates to a more informed pastoral setting.

Certification in Hispanic Ministry
Saint Meinrad offers a special certification in Hispanic ministry for those dioceses that desire their seminarians to have a greater level of proficiency in this area. The seminarian is required to complete three basic requirements:

• Advanced Spanish Language or its equivalent
• A supervised ministry experience (including SPI or CPE) that includes an experience with Hispanic Catholics
• Six workshop hours over the course of seminary formation.

Formation of Hispanic Seminarians
Saint Meinrad also recognizes the need to recruit and form Hispanic seminarians for service as priests in the Church. Our programs offer several opportunities for preparing and forming seminarians who are native Spanish speakers. The programs are tailored to the needs of individual seminarians and dioceses.

Intensive English Year
A one-year intensive English program prepares seminarians to enter the philosophy or Master of Divinity curriculum. Each seminarian receives specialized attention in acquiring language and communication skills. Vocabulary, oral and written skills and accent reduction are emphasized. The year provides opportunity for enrichment in spiritual and human formation through full engagement with the seminary community. The seminarian is also able to get acquainted with brother seminarians from his diocese. The student is tested throughout the year to ascertain his readiness to advance in formation.

Diocesan Assistance
Saint Meinrad also assists dioceses that wish to help seminarians gain better English skills while the students reside in the diocese. Seminary staff members visit the diocesan house of formation twice a year to meet with seminarians. Seminarians come to Saint Meinrad twice during the year for special formation programs and to gain greater familiarity with seminary life and their fellow students.

Mader Learning Center
The Mader Learning Center provides individual English tutoring and accent reduction for seminarians. Saint Meinrad seminarians use the center to develop speaking and writing skills.