Student Programs - St Peters College Seminary

ST. PETER'S COLLEGE SEMINARY

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Student Programs

Objectives of St. Peter’s College Seminary

The St. Peter’s College Seminary, directed by the clergy of the Diocese of San Pablo, is an ecclesiastical center which, according to the norms of the Codex Iuris Canonici (1983) and the documents of the Magisterium, aims to give a suitable training to candidates to the priesthood, who come from different parts of the province of Laguna. It is governed by the relevant norms of the universal Canon Law and the laws in force in the diocese and by its own Rule of Life.

All activities of the seminary aim to provide a strictly priestly training, such that true shepherds of souls are formed after the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd, and that they are prepared for the ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and leading the people of God (cf Decree Optatam totius, n. 4) in the local Church.

The primary objective of the seminary is to serve the particular Church in San Pablo. A deep love for the Church, the Roman Pontiff, and the local Ordinary will be inculcated in the seminarians to make them aware that when the time comes, they will receive the order of the Priesthood to be co-workers of the Episcopal order (cf Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, n. 2), forming an intimate sacramental brotherhood with all other priests (cf Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, n. 8). It aims to have an atmosphere of freedom, trust, order, discipline, and serious study which assures the due integration of the scientific and philosophical formation in the priestly training.

Academic Programs

The Pre-College Department

The Pre-College Department is a one-year formation and discernment for young high school graduates who aspire to be priests in the Diocese of San Pablo. Before entering a major seminary, they have to pass this year of intensive academic, spiritual, and doctrinal formation for them to realize the profound meaning of the vocation to the priesthood. They are introduced to a life of prayer, pastoral zeal, and intellectual formation. Although not yet credited by CHED, this academic year is an indispensable prerequisite to promotion to the philosophy department.

In the formation year, the candidate has to go through personal discernment with the help of his spiritual director in order to see clearly his call to the priesthood. It is the most adequate period for the formators to see if a candidate is truly fitted physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually to the priesthood.

It is a seminary policy that in order for a student to qualify to college proper, he must obtain a general weighted average (GWA) of 85 in the subjects taken in two semesters. Nonetheless, there are two options left for those who cannot reach the required average-either they are sent out of the seminary or if there are some redeeming factors and a clear sign of vocation, they may repeat one year of the pre-college course. However, an average of 85 is not an assurance that a pre-college student can pursue the philosophy course. For some serious valid grounds, he may be refused admittance.

The subjects offered in the Pre-College Department are: English A and B, Speech A and B, Basic Latin, Salvation History, Basic Math, Research and Term Paper Writing, and Theater Arts.

The Philosophy Department

The Philosophy Department assumes the responsibility of molding the seminarians holistically and preparing them for theological studies until they finally commit themselves to the service of the Lord and His vineyard. The Philosophy course comprises a four-year study of major philosophy subjects and other field of sciences required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and some subjects in Theology, Music, and Latin. A graduate is granted the degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Philosophy, minor in English (with diploma).

The Seminary Program

The seminary program comprises different aspects of seminary life which are involved human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation.

The human formation of a seminarian in college must recognize the fact that he is in a period of transition from adolescence to young adulthood, from dependence on family and peers to personal freedom. In other words, a typical college seminarian is in search of his identity and lives within the tensions that usually accompany that search. (UPPPF, #188). The Casa Virtutum has been implemented to impart teachings and practices regarding basic human values and Christian virtues in a weekly communal chat. Each seminarian is encouraged to foster a family-oriented ambiance in the seminary.

The spiritual formation of a college seminarian aims to awaken and develop in him a sense of the sacred in life through spiritual exercises and spiritual direction, so that he could be a good Christian and be able to crystallize his decision to follow Jesus Christ in the ordained ministry. Through personal guidance and structural help, a college seminarian will hopefully begin to appreciate the value of spiritual exercises beyond compliance with rules to develop the discipline necessary for a solid spiritual life and to see the unity of prayer and life. (UPPPF, #207-208). The monthly recollection is an important activity. Due to the scarcity of priests and for greater religious freedom, the seminarians are allowed to have priests outside the seminary as their spiritual director after consulting with the appointed spiritual director of the seminary.

The intellectual formation seeks to develop not only the seminarians academic excellence but also his capacity to face intelligently whatever life he might pursue. In a college seminary, this formation should be preparatory to and in consonance with the formation in a theology seminary. It should develop skills and provide knowledge necessary for theological studies. The thrust of intellectual formation in a college seminary is not very different from that of a regular liberal arts program that stresses the appreciation for the natural and human values. Intellectual growth in college is aimed at a deeper understanding of people, of human experience, of the world, and of history. This in turn hopes to help develop conviction and values which can enrich him in his personal and vocational life. (UPPPF, #232-234)

The pastoral formation of a college seminarian aims to help him face the questions arising from his stage in life as he comes face to face with the demands of service. Pastoral exposure to and involvement in a specific community or ministry is meant to strengthen his self-identity and to crystallize his mission which can occur only when he has discovered the meaning of service to others. It cannot be denied, however that shepherding is not yet a realistic goal, much less the primary goal of the pastoral formation of a college seminarian. The emphasis rather lies in self-discovery through growth in service. (UPPPF, #257) There are areas in the city of San Pablo where seminarians are sent for the pastoral service: Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa, Bahay Pag-ibig - Home for the Aged, Sto. Angel Annex School, and the Parish of Immaculate Conception for BEC exposure.