ONE YEAR ADDED TO SEMINARY FORMATION: THE MINISTERIAL YEAR
Reported by Matthew KOLAJO
In line with recent developments in priestly formation, Rome has introduced an additional year known as the Ministerial Year into the Seminary training program. Formerly, the formation program comprised four years of Philosophy, one year of Pastoral experience, and three years of Theology, which makes it eight years of formation. With this new structure, the Theological cycle now extends to four years, making the total formation period nine years and more comprehensive.
The Ministerial Year was established to better prepare seminarians, especially deacons for the practical realities and challenges of priestly ministry in today’s world. It focuses on deepening pastoral maturity through seminars, parish experiences, and supervised ministry, allowing candidates to integrate academic knowledge with real-life pastoral practice. Unlike other stages of formation, this year is intentionally designed to be free from theoretical academic pressure, providing room for spiritual growth and pastoral ministerial readiness.
St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, in compliance with this directive, commenced the Ministerial Year Programme during the 2025/2026 formation session with 36 candidates. Some of them are already ordained deacons, while others are expected to receive the diaconate ordination before the completion of the programme, thus fulfilling the Church’s vision for holistic and experiential priestly formation.