By Fr. Bryan Silva, OMI, PsyD
Oblate School of Theology (OST) has launched a Vocational Synthesis program, a new pastoral experience for seminarians completing the academic portion of their studies and progressing to the diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church. This new initiative is in response to the sixth edition of the Program of Priestly Formation (PPF), which calls for pastoral experience of at least six months, referred to as the Vocational Synthesis stage, following academic studies.
For over 55 years, OST has offered an internship program following the third year of theological studies. The experience and expertise gained during that time, and with the support of participating deacons, have informed the development of this synthesis program and its components over the past three years.
In the synthesis stage of formation, the deacon practices applying his pastoral gifts and knowledge in an integrative way, translating academic knowledge into ministerial practice. Therefore, the program’s structure provides the deacon with the means to discern and integrate ministerial skills across diverse pastoral settings.
The PPF describes the aim of pastoral formation as: “the formation of a ‘true shepherd’ who teaches, sanctifies, and governs or leads—implies that such formation must include a number of essential elements” and lists these elements as the proclamation of God’s Word, sacramental dimension, ecclesial formation, community dimension, collaboration with others, catholic education, personal synthesis, and an invitation to various practical, pastoral experiences.
Many deacons lack the integrative experience to apply their theological knowledge in concrete pastoral settings. The synthesis experience allows the deacon to reflect on ministry with those he serves and ministers to.
Over the seven months of vocational synthesis, the deacon preaches monthly, performs rites and ceremonies, and works with the pastor on various pastoral undertakings. He meets monthly with a group of parishioners, often called the Co-Learner Group. The group meets with the deacon to reflect with him on what he’s learning. They offer feedback on his homilies, interpersonal presence, and clerical persona. Over time, the deacon learns to trust his ministerial instincts and develops collaboration skills.
This combination of the pastor sharing his experience and knowledge as a cleric, and the deacon reflecting with those he serves and those who have experience of clergy, brings a depth of learning that helps the deacon to increase ministerial proficiency.
While seminarians participate in field placements during their academic formation, the Vocational Synthesis program builds on that experience in a concentrated way, enabling them to be more fully involved in the day-to-day challenges of priestly life.
