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Prayerful consider supporting the future priests of our diocese by clicking the link below to make a gift!
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO SUPPORT THE HOUSE OF FORMATION
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The Rationale
Jesus was formed in the home at Nazareth, under the supervision of Mary, and in the workshop of Joseph. We desire the formation of future priests for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to follow the same model as Jesus’ formation, under the mantle of Mary and in the workshop of Joseph.
Why Now?
Because of drastic changes in society over recent decades, the Congregation for Clergy and Bishop Fabre have recognized a need to adapt our approach in forming the future priests of our diocese. There is now a need for “an indispensable phase of formation with its own specific character.” It is called the propaedeutic stage of formation. “Its principal objective is to provide a solid basis for the spiritual life and to nurture a greater self-awareness for personal growth.”
Where?
This stage of formation should be done separately from the formal seminary structure, while still providing a community of brother seminarians and priests. Living in a house together allows the men to experience community as a fundamental area of growth and self-discovery, supplying ample opportunities to practice self-discipline and self-reflection.
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Our Goal
We want the best formation for the future priests of our diocese. The key word is formation. Formation is not the same thing as education. The best formation requires a strong foundation in the exercise of the spiritual life and human virtue. Formation is a holistic approach which allows us to see men flourish into healthy, well-integrated, virtuous, and holy future priests. This is the priests that our people deserve as pastors, shepherds, and fathers.
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Formation Program
The Formation Program will include:
• Intense Spiritual Formation• Wholistic Human Formation
• Fraternity Nights
• Hosting Skills
• Basic Life Skills
• Cooking
• Exercise Program
• Landscaping
• Cleaning
• Basic Woodworking
• Basic Trade Development
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Following the Model of Christ
The formation in the house will focus on forming the priestly heart and helping each seminarian to grow as missionary disciple through intimate friendship with Jesus Christ. The house will teach boys how to become men by focusing on basic human and masculine virtues, which are necessary not only for living a full life on earth but entry into heaven. The Vatican’s document guiding all seminary and priestly formation speaks of a model of “accompaniment”. This is how Jesus formed the Apostles. He walked with them, He prayed with them, He ate with them, He laughed with them, He worked with them, etc... This is the same model that we will use within the house. This same model will be the foundation upon which the Workshop is built, that we might form priests whose hearts echo those of Jesus and his father, Joseph.