The Theologate

In theological instruction and pastoral education, the Theologate seeks to engage seminarians in a process of reflection on the problems of life, to provide a better understanding of the Gospel message and a clearer awareness of the historical development of the Christian faith, and to impart a sensitivity to the human concerns and spiritual demands faced by contemporary men and women of faith. Of particular emphasis is a strengthening of the seminarian’s personal commitment to celibate priesthood and of his ability to explain and articulate the Catholic faith to members of the Catholic community and to men and women of other Christian traditions and other faiths. The fostering of Human Formation consistent with the attainment of the maturity demanded for ordained ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. The deepening of Spiritual Formation to sustain a lifetime of priestly service and to advance that continual conversion of mind and heart so necessary for every baptized member of the Church and especially to be expected of its ordained priests. The sharpening of Intellectual Formation effectively to assimilate a graduate, professional theological education consonant with the ability faithfully to grasp, represent, and apply the Church’s Tradition as an ordained priest. The broadening of Pastoral Formation to develop the specific capacities for ministerial and public leadership required for priestly service. The Theologate is a four year program to help men in their final preparation for Holy Priesthood. Because of the special vocation to which the seminarian is called, liturgical prayer is at the core of his day. The Spiritual Formation Program, therefore, includes daily celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, and weekly opportunity for Eucharistic devotion. The seminarians are trained to participate in and assist at the Sacred Liturgy each day. Those installed in various ministries function in the capacity of their office as lector, acolyte and deacon. Deacons are also scheduled to preach at designated liturgies throughout the year. Days of recollection, Penance services and Marian devotions are held at specified times. Likewise, occasions for devotional prayers such as the Angelus, the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross are provided. In concert with all the spiritual opportunities noted above and with an integrative purpose, the Program offers conferences by the Director of Spiritual Formation and provides spiritual direction for each seminarian at least once a month.
After completing college seminary a man enters first theology. In first theology the men are fully engaged in the study of Sacred Theology. They are to grow in their relationship with God. First theology is where some seminaries institute men as lectors. The institution of lector is a formal ministerial step on the way to priesthood. Lectors are instated to be readers in liturgies, instruct the faith to adults and children, and to bring the message of salvation to those who have not heard of Christ.
When a man enters second theology, he continues an intense study of sacred theology. If he has not already become a lector he will do so in the first semester. In the second semester the men in second theology are instituted acolytes. As acolytes they assist priests and deacons at the Lord’s Altar. They are special ministers of Holy Communion and are called more fully to live the Sacrament in their lives.
In third theology men are involved in serious preparation for Holy Priesthood. They continue to intensely study sacred theology. At the end of their year they are Ordained to the Order of Diaconate. They take the oath of fidelity and the promise of celibacy. Their lives are forever changed and they continue to the path of the priesthood.
In fourth theology, the newly ordained deacons still continue the study of sacred theology. They preach at Mass. Their pastoral assignments are increased. At the end of the fourth year they lay their lives down for Jesus Christ and are ordained priests. Their formation is lifelong as they strive to imitate Jesus Christ in their work.

Examples of Required Classes Taken in the Theologate:
• Sacred Scripture Classes
o Introduction to Critical Methods
o Mark
o Matthew
o Luke
o John
o Pentateuch
o Paul’s Letters
o Wisdom Literature
o Prophetic Literature
• Systematic Classes
o Christology
o Revelation
o Trinitarian Theology
o Grace
o Ecclesiology
o RCIA
o Sacraments
o Eucharist
o Penance and Anointing
o Holy Orders and Celibacy
• Moral Theology
o Moral Theology 1
o Moral Theology 2
o Virtues
o Social Justice
o Sexual Morality (Theology of the Body)
o Medical Morality
• Pastoral Theology
o Homiletics (at least 4 classes) – How to give a homily
o Sacramental Practicum – Practicing the Sacraments
o Pastoral Counseling
o Pastoral Spanish