[ Formation ] [ Human ] [ Spiritual ] [ Intellectual ] [ Pastoral ] [ Vianney ]

The priestly formation offered at Cardinal Muench Seminary follows the norms of universal and particular law of the Catholic Church; specifically, the norms of the current edition of the Program of Priestly Formation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is guided by the Magisterial documents pertaining to the formation of priests, especially Optatam Totius of the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II's Pastores dabo vobis.

There are four dimensions to priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. While these four dimensions are distinct, they unite as an integral whole in the person being formed.

The human dimension concerns the integrated maturing of the seminarian in the natural virtues and abilities which serve as the foundation for the other dimensions. Formation in this area is imparted by a variety of means, which include formal formation classes, rector's conferences, formation advising, and community life.

Spiritual formation focuses on the spiritual life of the seminarian, both on the personal and communal levels. It is accomplished by the instruction on prayer and penance, the varied liturgical life of the seminary, spiritual direction, retreats and days of recollection, and formation classes.

The intellectual dimension is addressed by university courses both at Cardinal Muench Seminary and at North Dakota State University. The seminarians are expected to acquire a solid base of knowledge in various disciplines as preparation for their future theological studies.

Pastoral formation provides experiences through which the seminarian develops pastoral charity, the soul of the apostolate. Every seminarian is assigned an Apostolic Work in the local community.

Cardinal Muench Seminary also hosts the Vianney Program, a program of discernment for men who desire to know whether God is calling them to be a priest.

100 35th Avenue NE, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 232-8969   Fax: (701) 271-1250

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