College and Seminary Expectations

Whenever people live together in Christian freedom they have expectations of each other. They expect each person to be responsible, that is, to be accountable for the exercise of their own freedom.

The following expectations are tabled here to present what the college and seminary expects of each student in his day to day living. Failure to meet these expectations means a student will be held accountable for the exercise of his freedom. Responsibility and accountability are the two principles on which college and seminary life stands.

On entering the college and seminary, a student joins a community of people whose concern is pastoral preparation for ordained diaconate and priestly ministry. Therefore, each student should be truly committed to this concern through the spiritual, personal and academic formation which the college and seminary offers, and through the gradual deepening of his own solid motivation.

Since this deepening of his motivation and his growth as a person will come through his openness to the Spirit and with the guidance of Spiritual Director, each students therefore, after an initial period, will make arrangements for their spiritual director and consult him/her regularly.

So that his prayer and study may be fruitful, a student is expected to keep reasonable hours and regulate his activities with due consideration for the spiritual, academic and recreational needs of others.

Consideration for his future ministry to the people of God should move a student to take reasonable care of his health and seek medical advice when necessary.

A student’s lifestyle should be a sign of a person who is committed to Christian living, to celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom, and a future apostolate of cooperation with the presbyterate under the leadership of the Bishop. His life is to bear witness to the values expressed in this.

No diaconate candidacy or seminarian has the right to ordination, but he has the right to growth in the seminary. By God’s grace, the formators can certainly promote this growth.

The worthy celebration of the liturgy of the Word of God and the Eucharist plays a central part in the life of the seminarian. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, the common prayer of the college and seminary community, as well as the student’s own private prayer are also central to his life.

Each student is expected to take his part, regularly and punctually, in the daily celebration of the Eucharist together with the other liturgical and community prayers and devotions of the seminary.

Academic formation will depend largely upon the student’s own eagerness to learn and his readiness to study conscientiously. In this, he will be directed by the whole teaching staff under the direction of the Dean of Studies.

In his studies he should keep constantly in mind the challenge of his future ministry and the needs of the community he is to enlighten and lead.

Because genuine leadership is a quality of diaconate and priestly ministry the student will cultivate this gift in himself, being conscious at the same time that the voluntary acceptance of leadership by others, especially that of the staff, is a basic part of his own formation.

In the case of illness the Dean of Studies must be notify. Any absence from class, except in the case of illness, should have the permission of the Faculty Dean. If lecturers are absent, the Rector, and the Dean of Studies and the Class Coordinator concerned are to be notified as soon as possible.

Because he is preparing for a ministry of service to others, the student is expected to carry out the regular tasks allotted to him in college and seminary life and to see them as part of his formation. He will acknowledge and show gratitude to those who serve the community generously.

For the same reason, a high standard of courtesy in language, as well as in conduct and dress, both within and outside the college and seminary are expected at all times.

Members of a Christian community show courtesy and hospitality to visitors. At the same time the personal privacy of other students, especially in residential parts of the house should be respected and sensitivity and consideration shown for the whole community.

Courtesy towards his Superior and respect for his role require that a student notifies him of illness, and any absence from the ordinary exercises of the community for whatever reasons.

The witness to Christian values and lifestyle is expected in a student’s use of alcohol, as well as in his social life and choice of places of recreation and entertainment.

All are to take proper care of college and seminary property and report breakages or damages to the Rector. A student will consider himself liable for damages or breakages caused through his carelessness.

QUESTIONS?

Whether you are interested in learning more about your faith or wish to pursue a career in ministry or pastoral areas you will find something at Moamoa Theological College and Seminary to meet your needs. We’re here to answer any questions.