Celibacy Formation

With the program, “Together in One Place,” Saint Meinrad School of Theology has taken the lead in celibacy formation by introducing a comprehensive program encompassing all six years of seminary formation.

The pilot program was rolled out in 2006, meeting with overwhelming success and support. It is now a key program at all levels of seminary formation.

“Together in One Place” is constructed around the four pillars of formation (human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral) found in Pope John Paul II’s Pastores Dabo Vobis and the fifth edition of the Program of Priestly Formation.

Each dimension is covered through six formation themes that are spread over the seminarian’s education. The program also views celibacy in light of the whole community and the need of the Church to be involved throughout the years of formation. Healthy appreciation of a celibate way of life is not only promoted among seminarians, but also with others involved in their formation.

Material is presented through formats like January Interterm courses, regular Wednesday formation conferences during the semester, weekend conferences and annual days of prayer.

Ongoing formation is available through Saint Meinrad’s Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, which serves the newly ordained priest in the crucial years following his ordination.

In addition to topics such as celibacy, healthy sexuality and relationships, and sexuality in the media, the program covers the practical issues of living alone or in a group, such as exercise, cooking, hobbies and other day-to-day issues.

 The six formation themes: