2010 Catalog cover - The Athenaeum Of Ohio

Admission to the Seminary
Profile
In assessing an applicant’s aptness for beginning
the theology program of priestly formation, the
admissions committee looks for certain qualities and
characteristics in the candidate. Evidence of these
qualities and characteristics will be sought in the
recommendations of others (especially the Vocation
Director), a biographical statement, psychological
testing, an interview with the admissions committee,
and whatever other sources may be helpful.
Among the qualities the admissions committee looks
for are the following:
Human:
shows a capacity for growth and conversion
is able to function competently in ordinary human
situations
has a psycho-sexual maturity that is commensurate
with his age
has shown an ability to be faithful to commitments
demonstrates a sense of self-awareness
Spiritual:
is a well-catechized person
prays daily and participates weekly in the
Sunday Eucharist
is drawn to explore and deepen his spiritual life
and share it with others
is able to articulate why he feels called to the
priesthood
has been living out a Christian life, including
celibate chastity, for a significant amount
of time
Intellectual:
has a capacity for critical thinking
has an ability to understand other persons with
different views
is able to communicate in both oral and written
form
has successfully completed a bachelor's degree,
or its equivalent
Pastoral:
has a fundamental sense of the Church's mission
is enthusiastic about sharing the faith
has a sensitivity to the needs of others and a
desire to respond to them
has leadership ability and is self-motivated
Process of Admission
1. The student must have the sponsorship of the
local Church and the bishop or a religious
superior.
2. The student must submit an application with
the required documentation (e.g. physical
examination, transcripts, sacramental records).
3. If he has attended a college seminary, a
favorable recommendation to a theologate is
needed.
4. If he is transferring from another theologate
seminary, he needs to supply not only
transcripts, but also previous evaluations and
recommendations from that seminary. If he is
changing dioceses, the seminary needs
access to the prior vocation director and
bishop.
5. Psychological testing and feedback must be
completed.
6. The candidate must set up a personal
interview with the Admissions Committee of
the seminary.
Discernment Opportunities
Although some applicants have had previous
seminary experience, today more and more are
coming to the seminary either from a non-seminary
college program or from another career in life. To
assist these men in their discernment process, the
seminary provides several opportunities to become
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