"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."  (Hebrews 4:15)

In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Pope John Paul II cites this passage from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews as affirmation of the "human character" of God's minister. Just as the humanity of Jesus Christ was the instrument of salvation, so the human character of his priests is the essential bridge connecting God's people to the redemptive gifts of Christ.

In His IMage

As sacramental representations of Christ, priests embody His humanity and way of life. Human formation is the foundation of the process that prepares seminarians to be fitting instruments of Christ's grace. Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology seeks to prepare well-integrated priests who take responsibility for their own emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual well-being.

Saint Meinrad's program of human formation fosters these qualities in seminarians:

  • A highly developed moral conscience and strong moral character

  • Openness to strong, empathetic relationships with others

  • The ability to work with people of diverse cultural backgrounds without prejudice

  • Emotional maturity

  • The capacity for critical observation and analysis

  • Respect for one's own bodily integrity and health, including the  skills and habits necessary to  embrace a life of celibacy

  • Financial responsibility

  • The ability and inclination to communicate well

  • The confidence and comportment necessary to serve as a public person representing the Church

Human formation encompasses student recreation and athletics; concerts, performances and lectures; psychological counseling; and an annual evaluation of a student's progress in formation.

Fr. Tobias Colgan, OSB
Vice Rector
200 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(812) 357-6314

   

Sr. Diane Pharo, SCN
Director of Counseling Services
200 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(812) 357-6598