Archives: Modules

Loving the Church well as a celibate priest relies upon an understanding of manhood, chastity, spiritual fatherhood, and celibacy. This module will explore these four themes as elements of a healthy celibate and priestly life, capable of giving life in the order of grace in such a way that it contributes to the priest’s own flourishing and happiness as a man.

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9). This three-week module will be an exercise in contemplating Jesus Christ as the definitive interpreter and living icon of God the Father (Jn 1:18; Col. 1:15). Following the guidance of Sacred Scripture and the theological reflections of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, we will bring to light the glorious features of the face of the Father. This is the true God and Father whom (with Christ and in Christ) we are called to imitate as his beloved sons/children (Eph 5:1; Mt 5:48).

This module reflects on the call of God and the way of seminary life. By emphasizing missionary discipleship, this module starts the conversation on the importance of being an instrument of grace in the place God calls you.

This introduction to the practice and daily discipline of praying the psalms in priestly formation endeavors to build an awareness of liturgy as a participation in the prayer of Christ and the prayer of the Church. It discusses how the Liturgy of the Hours is connected to both the Mass and personal prayer, and why this prayer is essential for progress in vocational discernment.

Drawing on the insights of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, this module explores the role of friendship in the pursuit of holiness and within the practice of discernment. It highlights that genuine friendship must be rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness—ultimately finding its foundation in Christ. Furthermore, it reflects on how the self-giving sacrifice of Jesus reshapes and elevates human relationships, transforming them into sacred, sacramental bonds of friendship.

This module will explore the time-tested wisdom of the Catholic mystics to better understand the enemy’s influence on the mind and heart, and the tactics needed to combat him. This examination of spiritual warfare will include a reflection on the ebbs and flows of consolation and desolation and teaching to distinguish between the voices of God and Satan. After this module, you will come to see the spiritual life not as a science to be learned, but as an intuitive art to be practiced as you move with increasing success from habitual sin to sanctity and holiness.

This module explores the wisdom of St. Teresa, Doctor of the Church, and the normal progress of prayer and holiness of life as revealed in her writings.

An advocate of contemplative prayer, her writings are filled with practical suggestions and a living devotion to Christ that can enrich one’s prayer and discernment.

God has called us out from the world and into the life of the Church. What does that mean?

The opening module addresses this question by reflecting on the call of God and the way of personal holiness. God has a specific plan for each of us, but knowing this plan is to take the first step of claiming our sonship in Christ and allowing God to mold our hearts as His own (cf CCC, 2563).