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Divine Word MissionariesSVD Formation |
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SVD Formation
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BROTHER FORMATION PROGRAM
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First Saturday | Silence/Prayer/Spiritual Reading |
Second Saturday | Prefect’s Conference |
Third Saturday | Spiritual Conference |
Fourth Saturday | Penitential Servive/Confession |
Fifth Saturday | Spiritual Conference |
5.5 SILENCE
The atmosphere of silence in the community is an expression of charity towards. The members who wish to pray, study and rest. Hence, silence is strictly to be observed at the following schedule:
600 – 700 PM | Daily study period and time for spiritual reading |
900 PM | Monday after Benediction and penitential service |
Saturday Evening | after community conferences |
1000 PM | until 700 the following morning |
5.6 SPORTS AND SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Various forms of community activities like recreations, sports, family, feasts, outings, celebrations of birthdays/feast days promote interpersonal relationship, harmonious and fruitful living. These are occasions when community members are helped and encouraged to bring their talents to fuller development.
5.6.1 Recreational and cultural activities call for presence and active participation of the formand making the interest and need of the community above their own.
5.6.2 Indoor and outdoor games are scheduled to provide times of relaxation & physical exertion required for healthy mind and body.
5.6.3 Any related activities must be well-organized and harmoniously integrated in the religious and missionary thrust of the community.
PRENOVITIATE ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
A. Rationale
Candidates seeking admission to the Society after graduation in college or after working for sometime in various jobs outside (Associate), possess certain experiences, understanding and aspirations about life that are proper to their age group and psychological development as young adults. As they enter into the Society, they bring these data with them into their formation. In formation candidates asked three related questions: 1) What does seminary life offer that makes one a religious? 2) How does one know that he has a vocation to be a religious? And how should he respond to it?
Although expected to be more mature and committed because of their age, college education and work experiences, the Associates’ questions and expectations, their own Christian life lived prior to their admission to the seminary need to be clarified, synthesized, and then integrated into religious life, in particular, the religious life in the SVD.
B. Description of the Program
The Associate Formation Program is a one-year introductory pre-novitiate program of formation designed for college graduates and young professionals who want to become a Religious Missionary Brother inn the Society of Divine Word (SVD). It is a “resident” program – the candidate will stay in a formation house for a year and will be recommended to Postulancy after an evaluation at the end of the program.
The orientation of the program is directed towards the recognition of Christian life as the foundation of the desire to follow Christ more closely, distinctly, and in more personal way – the SVD lifestyle. Christian faith and human maturity live outside seminary structure before will now be seen in the context of the SVD community life and formation. As such the task of the program is the integration of Christian experiences. Thus, the program is process-oriented and participatory, allowing the candidates to move on their own desired pace toward progress or growth.
C. General Objective
The general objective of the Associate Program follows the overall goal of
the
pre-novitiate:
To help the candidate understand the nature of a vocation and grow to a level of human and Christian maturity such that he can make a free personal response to the call to follow Christ, in the religious missionary life.
D. Specific Objectives
To start an initial period of self-processing, of guided prayer and reflection of one’s past and present faith experiences.
To enable the candidate to become aware of the necessary qualifications for the vocation to the religious missionary brotherhood in the SVD.
To give the candidate an experience of community in which a person can gain a ”sense of belonging” to an apostolic group.
To provide the candidate an initial experience of the SVD apostolate in which he can gain a sense of “passing-over” and of mission.
To prepare the candidate for a worthwhile pre-novitiate experience.
E. Content Outline
First Semester : Integration of Christian Faith Experiences
1.Community Life
Monthly class meeting
Monthly fraternal correction
Weekly conference of matters of value formation
Daily schedule of activities, i.e. work, recreation, study periods, prayers, etc.
2.Self-Processing I
Monthly group dynamics, group process
Monthly guidance and counseling
Monthly individual conference with Prefect
Weekly class in psycho-spiritual integration
Psychology class at USC (every other day)
Twice a semester workshop in human development issues, i.e. goal setting, handling negative emotions, etc.
Journal writing
Monthly reflection paper (no specific topic, a summary reflection of the experiences during the month).
3.Christian Orientation I
Weekly spiritual direction (as a group)
Weekly Bible sharing and/or Faith sharing
Pre-requisite Theology classes – Christian Anthropology, Salvation History, Introduction to Theology
Leadership in daily liturgy
Weekly class devotion
Two community retreats a year
Overnight group recollections
Weekend parish apostolate (music and youth ministries)
Monthly reports of spiritual readings
Twice a week class on Christian doctrine
Second Semester : Introduction to SVD Life and Mission
Reflective Reading on the SVD Story
Monthly reflection paper on the life of St. Arnold Janssen
Weekly guided readings on the history of the Society of the Divine Word
Mission talks by visiting missionaries
Daily community activities
Participation in the monthly AJS Faith Sharing
Twice a week class in Social Teachings
Self Processing II
Journal keeping
Monthly individual counseling session
Psychological testing and processing
Guided readings on psycho-spiritual integration
Christian Orientation II
The significance of silence and contemplation
Daily 30-minute meditation
Sacraments
Monthly Reflection Papers
Summer Program: Preparation to Postulancy
10 weeks course on Clinical Pastoral Education in a hospital setting
Evaluation in view of postulancy promotion
Vacation
PROCESS OF EVALUATION – COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATE
Evaluations are vocational discernments requiring serious reflection and prayer. To review the candidate’s commitment and growth in this vocation, described in the Brother Formation Program, each candidate will undergo a process of evaluation on an annual basis which consists of the following.
A written self-evaluation in which the candidate honestly evaluates himself along the five areas of development: spiritual, religious-missionary, academic and professional competence, psycho-emotional, and social or community life. Areas of growth and those that needed change, or areas of strength and weaknesses are the two important aspects to evaluate.
A written evaluation by community members wherein they express their perceived judgment concerning the suitability of the candidate to continue or not his formation. The Prefect writes his own evaluation of each candidate.
A vote of the House Council based on the outcome of the community evaluation and the evaluation of the Prefect.
The candidate meets with the Prefect or the Director of Brother Formation Program to discuss the result of the evaluation. He may be requested to respond in writing (defense) to the House Council’s decision if needed.
A regular meeting with the Prefect (ratio) to assess progress and make plans for change.
MINIMAL EXPECTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE – PRE-NOVITIATE
The objectives of the formation program are best realize if internalized, and adopted values manifest themselves in concrete actions and in the consistent behavior of the candidate.
In order to experience these values, a minimal number of performance are expected. These expectations are minimal yet they establish some basic signs of seriousness of the individual’s desire to live and test religious life as a possibility for his life. Eventually, one is free and generous in spirit to live up to those expectations even to the point beyond it, done simply out of positive desire for a deeper relationship with Christ and with the religious community.
To attend at the daily masses, liturgical exercises, community prayers, bible sharing, etc. on a consistent basis. These are pre-requisites if one is to grow in his vocation and relationship with Christ.
To seek guidance through spiritual direction, confession, and counseling, and to spare time for personal quiet prayer and reflection.
To show continuous growth in self-knowledge, in the ability to reflect on his own experiences, and in the effort to translate his ideas into change in behavior and character.
- To factor Christian values and principles into
one’s decisions and actions.
- To strive for academic excellence in his studies and erudition.
To be present in all community activities such as meetings, work, meals, sports and socio-cultural programs.
To perform conscientiously his assigned task in the community as well as to take part actively in outside activities e.g. PASS, vocation programs, cultural presentations, apostolates, etc.
To show exemplary behavior in words and deeds to all whom he come to relate with specifically to his peers, to the students and teachers in the university,
To submit on time the required paper works in formation such as reflection papers, reports, evaluation, etc.
To create an atmosphere of trust, openness, and honesty and spontaneity sharing of ideas and feelings among members.
To fulfill one’s spiritual obligations during vacation and to offer services in the parish for a task proper to one’s condition. He should strive to keep the good name of the institution (religious formation house) he belongs.
POLICIES FOR GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE in the PreNovitiate
I. ACADEMIC AREA
The choice of the courses to be taken by the brotherhood candidate or seminarian* takes into account the needs and priorities of the SVD and its mission. Consequently, certain courses, e.g., hotel management, tourism and foreign affairs, are not allowed. Courses in liberal arts, education, commerce, media, school administration, anthropology and sociology, certain courses in engineering and in natural and physical sciences are encouraged.
For various reasons, shifting from one course to another happens. As policy, changing or shifting courses is allowed only once, only on the first or second year in the university, and only when absolutely necessary. Written explanation is required from the seminarian.
In case of conflict of schedules between the seminary and the university, the seminary schedule takes precedence. For example, night classes overlap with certain schedules in the seminary. Thus as policy, night classes are allowed only to graduating seminarians, if possible only in the 2nd semester prior to his graduation. In view of finishing his studies within the expected time limit, the seminarian must plan his subject enrolments well, take summer for those subjects that are difficult to take during the regular semester’s day offerings, and be open to do cross-enrolments if needed. .
Punctual attendance, active participation in classroom discussions, use of the library, good study habits, on-time submission of requirements, and clarity of ideas in project papers are desired behaviors for academic striving. Absenteeism, coming late to classes, inability to submit requirements on time, and laziness are considered undesirable behaviors.
Required grade point average (GPA) is 2.0. Those who are getting the required GPA may qualify for tuition fee scholarship. In case of a failing grade of 5.0 in a given semester, a warning is given. After three warnings, a seminarian is sent out.
Refusal to submit requirements, a defiant behavior, is a serious offense. Depending on the reasons behind it, a warning may be issued.
A cellular phone caught ringing in the wrong time and in the wrong places will be confiscated. A confiscated item is returned only at the end of the semester (for the first offense), or at the end of the school year (for the second offense). Refusal to surrender an item after an offense – defiant behavior – is ground for dismissal.
Computer schedule: 7:30AM-5:30 except the afternoons of Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Cheating during tests and plagiarizing (copying texts from books into one’s papers without proper documentation of the names of the authors and publishers) are serious offenses. A written explanation will be required and a warning may be issued.
II. SPIRITUAL AREA
Neglect and/or lack of enthusiasm to one’s spiritual life is not consonant to the desire to follow Christ. Examples of neglect are: irregular attendance, frequent lateness, lackluster participation in the daily community prayers, Holy Mass, benedictions and confessions (Mondays), spiritual conferences (Saturdays), personal prayertime (daily, 15 minutes) and in Bible sharing (Wednesdays). Seminarians exhibiting such behaviors will be asked to explain why; if the behaviors persist after several reminders a warning may be issued.
Talking or singing loud inside the chapel in the presence of others who are praying or meditating are disrespectful behaviors. Attention of those concerned will be called.
Serving and reading in liturgies are valuable opportunities to grow in the love of the Divine Word. Non-observance of schedules and lack of preparation are undesirable behaviors.
Making good use of the time for SILENCE and
MEDITATION train one’s capacity
for tuning-in into the inner works of the Divine Spirit. Non-observance
of are considered undesirable behaviors. Schedule as follows:
Meditation - 15 minutes a day Monday to Friday
Time for Silence: 6:00-7:00 PM daily; 8:15-10:45 PM except Friday and Sunday
III. COMMUNITY LIFE
For all community activities like cultural programs, meals, common prayers, houseworks, and groundworks, the rule is punctual attendance and active participation.
Television: Tele-viewing is only once a week, on Sundays 8:00-10:30. Other schedules will need special permission from the Prefect.
Telephone: Monday to Saturday: 4:00-5:30PM, Sunday: 7:00AM-7:00PM
Community Radio: 3:00-5:30 PM daily. Not intended for listening to drama, the volume should be such that others are not disturbed.
Uses responsibly all seminary facilities and properties. If not sure whether the use of particular equipment needs permission from the Prefect/Rector or not, then it is advised that permission be asked first. Vandalism is a serious offense.
NO Personal radio, VHS, VCD, portable DVD or VCD players are allowed in the seminary. Walkman and portable music CD players without internal or external speakers and without radio are allowed – use a head-set – but only during radio time and only in the dorms and living room.
IV. PSYCHO-SEXUAL AREA
Courtesy, honesty, respect, prudence are expected is one’s relationship with seminary superiors, co-seminarians, women, and guests.
Healthy friendship with women is encouraged. But having a “steady relationship” with the opposite sex or same sex is considered inconsistent with one’s intention to become a future religious. Proper guidance shall be provided to a seminarian who needs help on this matter.
Use of pornographic materials is a serious offense.
An unsocial and quarrelsome disposition which may result to physical or emotional injury is an undesirable behavior.
V. ON SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT
Seminarians will be asked to participate in peaceful demonstrations, prayer rallies, signature campaigns, and other advocacy activities in order to support a common stand or present providing issues in society.
Seminarians are required to do a weekly three-hour exposure work with old folks, many of whom are sick or dying, at the Gasa sa Gugma center. There is some risk involve in this apostolate although there should no cause for worry if one works with caution
Parents will be asked to sign a “participation agreement” (see below) to signify their consent. If parents refuse to sign a “participation agreement,” the seminarian will not be forced to do the two apostolates but will be given other areas to go. (See Appendix )
VI. PERMISSION from the PREFECT, or from the Rector, IS NEEDED WHEN…
Leaving the seminary premises outside official schedules like apostolates
Attending activities outside the official schedule of classes at school. However, no permission will be given if the teacher or instructor of the said class activity makes a disclaimer that they are “not accountable” should any untoward incidents happen.
Going home outside vacation time. Official vacation times are semestral break, Christmas break, and summer break. During the semestral break, the seminarians are spend some time for vocation campaign in their neighboring high schools
Going home in case of death among the immediate members of family. For death of an uncle or aunt or cousins, or lolos and lolas – permission, in general, is not granted. But exception maybe granted on a case-to-case basis.
Escapism and absenteeism are serious offenses.
VII. OTHER POLICIES
1. Feeling Sick
If a seminarian claims that he is feeling sick and could not make himself
carry on with his normal daily responsibilities, e.g., classes, community
prayers, he has to be brought to the hospital for treatment and in order
to determine the degree of the seriousness of the ailment. If he refuses
to go to the hospital, it is considered that he is lying about being sick
– in truth, he may just be feeling lazy. Lying is considered an
undesirable behavior.
2.Personal Appearance
Seminarians are to give an appearance of a neat and respectable person
even if they are only beginning in their formation. Proper dress code
should be observed for different places. This also means no earrings and
other body piercings.
3.Fraternity Membership
Membership to any fraternity is inconsistent with our efforts to build a
religious community at the formation house with a clear mission goal to
become missionaries in the future.
4.Medical Needs and Hospitalization
Medicines for ordinary ailments like cough and colds, headaches, fever,
allergies, LBM, and others, are provided for free.
Hospital expenses including prescribed medications, consultation fees, or fees for surgery are the responsibilities of the parents. In case of emergency need, the Parents Formators Associations (PFA) has passed the following resolution : “…hospitalization loan of up to 5,000.00, two months to pay with 2% interest; in case of a double need for loan (hospital and tuition) only a hospitalization loan shall be granted within a year’s time; accommodation for hospitalization: WARD not private room.” (Minutes, 04 October 2003)
VII. SUMMARY OF UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS AND SERIOUS OFFENSES
Gleaning from the above mentioned policies, the following are then considered undesirable behaviors:
BELOW STANDARD ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
TRUANCY – Chronically late in any of the seminary activities
INCORRIGIBILITY – a continual breaking of rules and for schedules even after repeated reminders and warnings
LAZINESS in the area of work, or in spiritual activities
VANDALISM
DEFIANT BEHAVIORS against corrective discipline
CHARACTER DEFECTS OR UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS such as lying, cheating, and stealing.
In addition, the following are regarded serious offenses:
GAMBLING
SMOKING
Drinking INTOXICATING DRINKS
Possession and / or use of PROHIBITED DRUGS
Possession of PORNOGRAPHIC materials
Possession of DEADLY WEAPONS
VIII. ISSUING WARNING OR DECISION FOR DISMISSAL
The St. Freinademetz Formation House reserves the right to decide whether a seminarian is fit to continue his formation or not. Any of the undesirable behavior or serious offense stated above could be sufficient ground for dismissal. However, no seminarian shall be dismissed with out due process. This means that the first principle should be to help the seminarian learn from his mistakes, make the proper correctives necessary, and move on in his formation. It is only when available means for help do not work in the service of the seminarian’s growth in formation that issuing a warning becomes a possibility.
DUE PROCESS
On Undesirable Behaviors
On the first offense, a seminarian is admonished. He will also be required to put in writing what and why the violation was made.
On the second offense, the seminarian will have to explain his case in writing. His parents will be called and will be informed of the situation. A second warning is given.
Upon a third violation or offense, the seminarian will be dismissed. The parents will be informed in writing.
On Serious Offenses
An investigation is conducted by the Prefect of Discipline.
The House Council meets and decides on the merit of the report of the Prefect. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a seminarian may be dismissed or given a probationary period and a strong warning.
The parents will be informed about the case and the decision of the Council.
POSSIBILITY FOR RE-ENTRY
A dismissed seminarian may apply back to the seminary after two (2) years unless otherwise stated.
I HAVE READ ALL THE ABOVE POLICIES AND I UNDERSTOOD ITS GOOD INTENTION. IN AGREEMENT, I AFFIRM MY SIGNATURE BELOW.
Parent(s) Signature
Date
RECEIVED BY:
Formator
CONTRACTS BETWEEN PARENTS
AND FORMATORS
USED IN THE PRENOVITIATE
IN RELATION TO THE PARTICIPATION OF SEMINARIANS
TO JUSTICE AND PEACE RELATED ACTIVITIES
PARENTS’ CONSENT FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD (SVD) AND THE ST. JOSEPH FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
The Formation Program at the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House (SFFH) is holistic in approach. Part and parcel of the program is an awareness that the socio-economic and political realities of our country has much influence to our being human, Christian, and religious at the same time. A formation of particularly Christian response to these realities is therefore called for.
In our attempt to accompany the seminarians in this aspect of formation, we, the formators, will allow them to get in touch with cause-oriented groups which contact, to our estimation, would be helpful in the formation of a reflective and creative Christian social awareness and identity. Consequently, we will participate in peaceful demonstrations, prayer rallies, and other related activities, in order to support a common stand on present pressing issues in society. The formators of the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House will be responsible in selecting the groups to support and the common stand to be arrived at.
In this connection, therefore, we ask you to allow your son to join such mentioned concerns and activities we hope to support. We will respect whatever opinion and feelings you have on this matter, and they will never influence us in the way we look and deal with your son’s formation.
Date : | __________________ |
Parents/Guardians : | __________________ |
BFFH Prefect : | __________________ |
BFFH Rector : | __________________ |
PARENTS’ CONSENT
FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION
IN THE APOSTOLATE OF THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR APOSTOLATE EXPOSURE OF THE SEMINARIANS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE MINISTRY AS RELIGIOUS MISSIONARIES IN THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD.
I AM, THEREFORE, GIVING PERMISSION TO THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TO LET MY SON PARTICIPATE IN THEIR EXPOSURE MINISTRY PROGRAM TO THE OLD AND DYING FOLKS AT “GASA SA GUGMA” CENTER, THE HOMELESS AND THE STREET CHILDREN AT COLON STREET, CEBU CITY.
SIGNED: | ________________________ |
________________________ |
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________________________ |
NOTE: This stage of formation is done in common with the clerical candidates in Tagaytay for one year. The following is the common program:
1. Preliminary Remarks
The word Postulancy is derived from the Latin word “postulare” which means to ask with insistence, determined by a conviction. Postulancy then is a period wherein the postulant is helped to reach a conviction that he is called by God. Having come to such a conviction, the postulant is expected to express his intention to proceed to the next stage of his formation that is the Novitiate.
The emphasis of the SVD Postulancy Program is the growth of the postulant in the psycho-emotional aspect of his personality. The other aspects of his integral religious formation[ spiritual, social, academic, and apostolic / missionary
2.Historical Background
Postulancy for SVD seminarians before was undergone during the last semester of their fourth year of philosophical studies or , as in the case of the Associates, during the second half of the Associate Program. Based on the past experiences, Postulancy happened only on paper since academic pressures that were felt very much during the last semester of philosophical studies hampered the full implementation of the program. The clamor from those who have gone through such a program was for a program wherein psycho-emotional concerns are addressed. Such a program needs an atmosphere where the said concerns are faced unhampered by academic pressures. During the SVD Natoinal Formator’s Assembly on April 1991 held in DWS Tagaytay, a six-month Postulancy Program was proposed and unanimously approved by the body to be presented to the Generalate for official approval. The said approval was obtained and the first batch postulants underwent the program in June to November of 1993.
The program was eventually extended to eleven months [June to April of the next year. The change was based on the unforeseen difficulties regarding synchronization and an overlap of two classes in the Novitiate. This arrangement of an eleven-month Postulancy has been implemented for the second batch of postulants till the present.
3. Rationale and Immediate Goals
As pointed out earlier Postulancy aims to provide a transition between the Pre-Novitiate which is academically hectic and the Novitiate which is an enclosure- a comtemplative in lifestyle so to speak. Therefore, the immediate goals for the Postulancy are to provide an experience of religious missionary life in as community, to deepen the understanding of his own psychodynamics, and to continue learning about the SVD, its origin and charism, from the opening prayer of the Postulancy acceptance ceremony, it reads:
My brothers,
we welcome you in this program. May it be an opportunity for you to spend
more time with the Lord, and so come to know more clearly your vocation
within the Church. May it offer you the opportunity to experience the
religious missionary life in the Society of the Divine Word, and to
discern your place within it. We pray that the Lord may bless you, and be
your constant help. May the Spirit of God increase your generosity, and
grace you with inner peace and contentment. We ask this through Christ our
Lord.
Amen.
In this ritual formula, it is very clear that the Postulancy Program has a three-fold task to accomplish, namely: (1) discernment; (2) community living; and (3) self-knowledge. This three-fold task is also the core value of any religious missionary formation. Emphasis on self-knowledge is important since it is very difficult to have a spiritual transcendence in the Novitiate when it is wanting.
4.Participating of the Program
The following are the participants of the Postulancy Program:
Regular Philosophy Graduates
Associates after their one-year program
Brother candidates who have already finished a college degree
Master of Arts in Philosophy Candidates /Graduates
Special cases, i.e those who were accepted by the Admission Board of respective Formation Houses and deemed ready for the Postulancy.
5.Content of the Program
Inputs of the program are mostly obtained through seminar-workshop [modular classes] given by competent resource speakers and facilitators.
TRANSITION
Change brings both opportunities and turmoil. Most of us struggle
through such periods. This three-day orientation prepares the postulant
in making the most of change by providing a road map of the transition
process: endings [recognizing endings as opportunities as well as
losses], neutral zone [important time for reorientation], and new
beginning [launching new priorities].
THEATER ARTS
This is a workshop that teaches the postulant to develop his skills in
dramatics [acting, directing, scriptwriting, dancing, and singing] and
thus enables him to gain more self-confidence. It also helps to discover
the importance of the body as a powerful instrument to express his
creativity, ideas, and emotions. Moreover, he is led to be in touch with
his profound feelings and be at ease with his owned self.
JOURNAL WRITING
This is an orientation to the value of personal writing and introduces
the postulant to the various techniques of making a journal, which will
help him see the underlying patterns and rhythms in his personality
leading to a deeper self-knowledge and a sense of direction in one’s
psycho-spiritual journey.
SHIBASHI
This workshop provides the postulant a powerful combination of
breathing, grounding and gentle body movements that replenish and
maintain the body in its natural healthy condition. The culmination of
the process harmonizes the body and mind to express the unity of the
life-giving source within us and with whole of creation. As an art and a
discipline, it creates a sense of wholeness in the person. It is
relaxing and therapeutic. Done gently and gracefully to the rhythm of
his breathing, it creates a profound attitude of prayer-communing with
the Creator and his creation.
MEDIA CRITIQUE
This discussion-workshop offers the postulant with the necessary tools
to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the films and TV programs he
watches, the news he receives, and the advertisements he patronizes.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
This course explores Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development
and Kohlberg’s stages of moral development. It leads the postulant
toward a better understanding of his own inner dynamics in achieving
true personhood. More specifically, the relationship between his past
and present life he now lives is brought into the fore and is given
emphasis. It provides an opportunity to look into the events and
influences in his childhood that affected and/or continue to affect his
present behaviors and ways of looking at reality. The process in itself
discusses growth implications in the physiological, psycho-emotional,
and spiritual levels.
CREATIVE APPROACHES TO PRAYER
This workshop deals with the dynamics and various forms of prayer.
It also provides the postulant some creative aids to prayer and
practical ways of handling distractions like guilt, anxiety, fear,
anger, etc. Prayer then becomes a source of joy and strength for him. It
is not doing something but being with Someone.
INTRODUCTION TO SACRED SCRIPTURES
This seminar offers a general overview of the whole Scriptures-its
general content and significance. Basic attitudes and different
approaches to the study of the Sacred Scriptures are presented.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP
This seminar-workshop provides the postulant an opportunity to learn
basics skills and techniques in opening/maintaining a conversation,
making an interview, formulating a short story, and facilitating a
meeting. It is intended to help him express himself skillfully in oral
form and make him effective in relating with others in the community as
well as in his field of apostolate.
HUMAN SEXUALITY
As a sequel to Human Development, this course considers the
significant role of the body, feelings and emotions in human
relationships. It enlightens the postulancy to see sexuality as a
healthy and positive dimension of his personality. It allows sexuality
to assume its proper role in living and loving. The postulant then is
helped to recognize sexuality as a friend rather than as an enemy. It is
a helpful tool to face celibacy in its positive aspects, because it
focuses on the biological [male and female], cultural [masculine and
feminine], and psycho-spiritual [man and woman] dimensions of the
person. Better understanding of what human sexuality is all about
creates a strong foundation upon which self-integration is built.
VALUE CLARIFICATION
This seminar stresses the relevance of setting priorities based on a
value system. It helps the postulant clarify his needs not his wants.
ACTIVE NON-VIOLENCE
This is a seminar that offers a study on non-violence, its theory,
origin, and practice. It leads the postulant to discover that
non-violence is the authentic Christian response to violence. This is a
big help in community living as well as in parenting. Since community
living and parenting hope to resolve conflicts among individuals in
peaceful manners, this enables him to gain some skills in that regard.
POPULAR RELIGIOUSITY
This seminar is designed to encourage the postulant to discover the
positive aspects of his rich religious-cultural heritage as a Filipino
and develop them for personal and apostolic reasons. It also hopes to
lead him not only to a deeper historical appreciation of his Filipino
Christian identity but also to his total conversion within the context
of a Filipino set of religious values.
PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL INTEGRATION
This is a two-week in-depth journey from the reality of the self to
the reality of God and others. It is divided into two parts. The first
part accompanies the postulant in exploring his own unconscious to go
through the process of becoming – mending the broken pieces and
hopefully making his self-whole anew. This process of integration
specifically deals with the physical and psycho-emotional aspects of the
self [September].
The second part [January] focuses on the transcendent and pneumatic
aspects of the self, that is, the part in him that is connected to God.
A professional team of facilitators from the Emmaus Spirituality Center
handless the whole course. This two-part seminar further enables the
postulant to assess his psycho-emotional needs that are important in the
dynamic functioning of his person. It also explores how his needs
directly affect, positive or negative, the living out of his religious
commitment. Consequently, it helps him make a mature and free decision
to proceed to the Novitiate or take a leave of absence. His heart then
learns how to make a choice.
NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING
This course refers to the basic process used by all persons encode,
transfer, guide and modify behaviors. As a follow-up to PSI Part I, it
is designed to help the postulant respond to a variety of problems in a
very immediate manner. It can eliminate physical afflictions, improve
social relationships through increased self-confidence and enhanced
assertiveness, modify self-defeating thoughts, eradicate stubborn
negative behavioral patterns, and develop elusive desirable behaviors.
It can indeed improve his personal outlook in life and deepen his
spiritual commitment.
ENNEAGRAM
This seminar gives the postulant another way of looking at his
personality type. It explores the compulsive coping styles of
individuals and their patterns of unique giftedness [virtues], along
with their unique limitations and sinfulness. Greater self-knowledge is
thereby reached. The postulant is thereby led to discover ways of
relating to God and others according to his personality type.
MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR [MBTI]
This course, which is coupled with a personality type testing,
enables the postulant to understand himself better why he perceives
reality, makes decision and takes a certain course of action the way he
prefers it to, and why others do differently. Likewise, it orients him
to live a life of prayer suited to his personality type.
FEEDBACKING
This seminar enables the postulant to discover friendly strategies
in making affirmation/adjustment/correction on another person’s
behavior. This is important for an effective interaction with others in
a community.
VOCATION DISCERNMENT
This seminar presents the categories of motivation orientation and
the various signs/elements of a vocation to the religious life. It helps
the postulant to gain needed insight into the content and dynamics of
his motivation and thus discover the authenticity of his personal
calling to the religious life.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
This is a seminar that helps the postulant to cope up with the
stress in daily life. Coping mechanism are provided; while certain
creativity in battling pressures and tensions are learned.
STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION
This seminar-workshop discusses the issues of development and their
implications to the environment. It points out to the postulant how he
contributes to the degradation of nature and what he can do to save
Mother Earth. Waste management and greening of the environment are added
features of this course.
WHOLISTIC APROACH TO HEALTH THROUGH MACROBIOTICS
This seminar is useful technology for health care. It enables the
postulant to discover and learn the therapeutic effects of proper food
preparation, proper chewing and eating, proper diet, and harmonious
relation of self to nature. It also trains him to apply correctly
self-massage and reflexology.
PHILIPPINE SITUATIONER
This seminar-workshop, which deals with the current issues affecting
Philippine society, hope to raise the postulant’s consciousness on what
is going on around him. As an awareness course, it is designed to make
the postulant learn the survival issues of human persons and of Mother
Earth. Social, economic, political, ecological issues are very urgent.
Knowing them would encourage him to be agent of change wherever he may
be – making practical decisions as well as courses of action to work for
justice and peace.
CENTERING PRAYER
This seminar offers a contemporary method of prayer that reduces the
obstacles to the gift of contemplative prayer and facilitates the
development of habits conducive in responding to the inspiration of the
Spirit. It allows the postulant to prepare his faculties to cooperate
with such a gift and experience what it means to wait and be with the
divine in solitary silence.
INTRODUCING TO MISSIOLOGY
This seminar presents and discusses the contemporary basic
understanding of the theology of mission. Such theological discussion
hopes to clarify and strengthen the postulant’s motive in joining a
religious missionary congregation.
6.Important Features with Regards to the Process of the Program
•
INDIVIDUALIZED CONFERENCE /COUNSELING
Through individual processing, a postulant is helped to understand the
inner dynamics going within him. The IC’s could take different directions
depending on the needs of each individual. It is a combination of
spiritual direction and guidance counseling.
•
ACTIVITIES IN BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE
One area in which seminarians shows a lot of weakness is in the area of
self-confidence that has direct connections to low self-esteem. Productive
activities, timely interventions, and other necessarily helpful in-puts
are provided to enhance self-esteem.
• GROUP
GROWTH SESSIONS
These group-processing sessions which have already started in CKMS and
which seminarians have considered very helpful. Being a form of peer
counseling every postulant learns the skill of listening and developing
his empathy. Such sessions also foster class unity and camaraderie.
•
JOURNAL WRITING
Each postulant is to keep a journal. This journal could be used as
material for one’s personal reflection and one that he cold share with his
formator if he so desires.
•
REFLECTION PAPERS
Every postulant is to write essays that are products of his reflections
regarding life issues. Whatever realizations and insights he has gained
from a particular seminar workshop form a greater part of such essays.
•
INTENSIFIED INTERPRETATION OF PERSONALITY TESTS
Personality tests that were previously taken in CKMS are given more time
and importance in Postulancy. These tests are taken up again. With more
in-puts taken and more understanding obtained, such tests become more
understandable for an individual postulant so as to gain more
self-knowledge from them.
•
MANUAL WORK
The adage “ORA ET LABORA” finds application in the Postulancy. Beside the
usual housework and groundwork, all the postulants have their farm work.
Working with the earth’s soil leads to in-touchness with one’s self. Love
for manual work’s enhanced so that they could become more dedicated
workers for God’s Kingdom.
•
EXPOSURES
These exposures are along the lines of the three-fold dialogue – with the
poor, other faiths, and other cultures – which is very much emphasized in
the SVD mission spirituality. More than the in-puts are the true-to-life
experiences of living with the poor and with people who are non-Catholics
and non-Christians even. The exposures are real introductions of the
postulants to the SVD mission and apostolate.
This dialogue involves the various sects around Mt. Banahaw [Dolores,
Quezon], Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the urban poor worker [Metro
Manila].
•
MARKETING AND COOKING
The postulants are afforded the opportunity of doing the
marketing/purchasing of the nutritional as well as maintenance needs of
the community. Budgeting then becomes part of their task. Cooking and
learning how to cook much better become a good preparation for a life in
the mission.
The goal of this feature is not only learning skills but also an
opportunity to experience what the daily household chores are.
•
INTERCONGREGATIONAL MODULAR CLASSES
A good number of the seminars are taken with other male as well as female
postulants belonging to other congregations or houses of formation. This
arrangement is helpful in enhancing their skills for interpersonal
relationships particularly with the opposite sex.
•
FRATERNAL EVALUATION AND VOTATIO
After three months of staying together, written feedbacks are given to
each postulant by ten of his peers. The postulant concerned is given
affirmation as to the positive points he has and is also encouraged to
improve on points which his peers sees as his weakness.
At the beginning of the last month of the Postulanaty, the postulants give
qualified recommendation on each other’s suitability or non-suitability
for further religious formation. The votatio is done in the spirit of
fraternal love and concern.
•
EVALUATION SESSIONS
Evaluations of activities and of the community are done o a regular basis.
This helps in finding out where the community is heading and how
activities are proving to be helpful for a postulant’s formation. If not
helpful, alternative activities are considered and resorted to.
•
FAMILY IMMERSION
Every postulant discovers that much of his personal issues have their
roots in his early growing years which usually took place in the family.
The whole month of December is then spent with the nuclear family in order
to address such personal issues. In order to make the experience fruitful
and growth enhancing, the postulants are accompanied in their preparation
for such a worthwhile activity. They share with each other their plans,
write such plans and talk these plans out with their formators. The family
immersion experience is processed with the community and with the
formators once they are back to the Postulancy.
The second family immersion is slated in summer [months of April and May]
before they proceed to the Novitiate. Towards the third week of May, they
return to the Postulancy. Another week is allotted for the processing of
their experiences during the second family immersion.
They are also asked to make a genogram wherein they discover the kind of
relationships and events the family of three generations has treasured.
The genogram also enables them to understand certain “patterns” in the
family lineage. Subsequently, it helps them to resolve some of their
personal issues rooted in the family.
•
LEAVE-TAKING
This is a precious moment wherein the postulants are given the opportunity
to ritualize their prayer of farewell. As they leave the Postulancy and
move on to the Novitiate, they remember the God who is with them and who
understands the good-byes they are experiencing. It is also a celebration
of each other’s goodness and of God’s constant love – remembering one
another’s good qualities and memorializing His fidelity.
CONCLUDING REMARK
Evidently, all the modular classes and formation activities are aimed at helping every postulant develop his uncultivated potentialities and clarify his unresolved issued in life. These are meant to make him responsible of his own psycho-dynamics, be in touch with his core, and eventually become a well-rounded and integrated person.
Thus considered, formation in the Postulancy really becomes the art of forming the individual human person. It is a laborious art that presupposes competence and the availability of time and energy, a love for this special service and for the person entrusted to the formator’s care. However, it is also a real and personal art, a capacity to enter into God’s beautiful world, to recognize God’s formative act and contemplate the action of the Spirit who molds the heart of Jesus in the heart of a young and promising postulant. Such a noble gesture equips every formator a particularly attentive eye and a continual availability for listening and discernment. This entails giving priority to the mysterious action of God, by noticing and supporting the impulses of a postulant, even if he takes unforeseen and unheard direction which overthrows or seems to disregard a particular plan of formation activities. A fomators who is rigid in the application of his program causes the same disasters as the formator who has absolutely no method whatsoever. Too often, both ways of doing ways of doing formation are just routes of escape rater than calls to service.
NOTE: This formation stage is done together with clerical candidates
Over-Goal:
To help the novice clarify and deepen his vocation towards the radical re-orientation of his life to Christ through a responsible decisions for the religious missionary life in the Society of the Divine Word.
1. Spiritual Level
Specific Goal:
To help the novice clarify and deepen his religious missionary vocation through personal striving to follow Christ in the path of the evangelical counsels towards a radical re-orientation of his lifestyle to a life of discipleship in the SVD.
Indicators:
accepts Christ as personal friend and healer
believes and accepts the values, teachings and attitudes of Christ
believes in the need for regular and sustained relationship with God
encounters God in His Word in Sacred Scriptures, Sacraments, liturgy, work events in his life prayer, Church, and in himself (his conscience)
believes in God’s special call to the religious life
aware of the radical nature of his call
ready to make changes in life
believes in the need for detachment
undergoes conversion in his own spiritual journey
believes in the need for guidance in his human and spiritual growth
is open to growth through spiritual direction
shows understanding of sinfulness in self and in others
believes in the Sacred Scriptures as the basis for his spiritual growth
cultivates love for and commitment to the Society, its spirituality and its apostolate
believes in the positive contribution of the Blessed Arnold to the spiritual life of the Church
believes in the responsibility to participate and share in its mission
Means:
A. Retreats and Recollections
Pre-investiture (3 days – directed, last week of May)
Marian (8 days – directed, August 7-15)
Ignatian (30 days - directed, Nov. 7 to Dec. 8)
Pre-Vows/AJ/SVD Spirituality (5-8 days – directed, first week of May)
Individual private retreat at the hermitage
Customary SVD Saturday recollection
(Personal reflection paper is required after the Marian, and AJ-SVD spirituality retreats. After the Ignatian retreat one writes his ‘Fifth Gospel”)
B. Liturgical Activities
Daily Holy Mass
Monday evening devotion in honor of the Holy Spirit with Benediction
Holy hour every Thursday evening (and before First Friday)
Liturgy of the Hours: - Morning Prayer (30 minutes) and Meditation (1 hour)
Noon Prayer
Mid-afternoon prayer/ devotion / short meditation
Evening prayer
Night prayer with consciousness examen
C. Spiritual Readings
Sacred Scriptures
Encyclicals
Vatican II
SVD Constitutions
Recent General Chapter, Generalate documents
Lives of the Saints
Readings on the writings of the Early Fathers
Other spiritual books
D. Other Activities
Group bible sharing
Homily Sharing
Processing/Sharing of experiences/realizations on exposures
Composing of personal prayers for Benediction, Prayers before and after meals, etc.
Confession (once a month)
Meditations (daily)
E. Prayers/Devotions/Novenas
Sacred Heart
Holy Spirit
Community rosary
Individual rosary
Perpetual Help
Divine Mercy
Blessed Arnold Janssen
Stations of the Cross
Quarter Hour prayer
Prayers before and after meals (personal composition is encouraged)
Daily prayer for Vocation
3 O’clock prayer
prayer before and after work
Anima Christi
* Other personal devotions are encouraged
F. “Ratio”
Once a month with each Formator (scheduled)
A novice may go for a “ratio” any time he wants
G. Conferences
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Non-scheduled (as need arises)
Suggested Topics:
Silence
Prayer
Meditations
Dyads
Consciousness examen
Discipleship
Religious life
Detachment
Deepening of the 3 evangelical vows
Self-denial, fasting and abstinence
Further spiritual growth
AJS
H. Seminars/Inputs
Meditations (Oriental and Western)
Liturgy with the Holy Eucharist in depth
Prayer and Discernment
LSS
I. Video Viewing
- Lives of Saints
- De Mello’s talk series
- Other spiritual films
J. Daily Schedule
5:30 | - | Rising | |
6:00 | - | Morning Prayer (6:00-6:30)(Sat. 6:30-7:00---Shibashi) | |
- Meditation (6:30-7:30) | |||
- Bible Sharing “ | |||
- Dyads | |||
7:30 | - | Breakfast | |
8:00 | - | Prayer after breakfast (Prayer before work and Quarter Hour Prayer are integrated here) | |
8:15 | - | Light Housework; Saturday is general housework | |
9:00 | - | Groundwork/gardening | |
10:00 | - | End of groundwork/gardening. Glory be. Clean Tools, Merienda | |
10:30 | - | Shower time | |
11:00 | - | Spiritual Reading and Quarter Hour Prayer | |
12:00 | - | Noon Prayer | |
12:15 | - | Lunch – Prayer; Reading of the next day’s first reading | |
1:00 | - | Silence | |
2:15 | - | Rising | |
2:30 | - | Mid-afernoon prayer | |
Monday: | Divine Office and Meditation | ||
Tuesday: | Novena to Bl. Arnold | ||
Wednesday: | Perpetual Help Novena and Meditation | ||
Thursday: | Novena to the Novices’ Patron Saint | ||
Friday: | Stations of the Cross and Meditation | ||
Saturday: | Rosary and Meditation | ||
O’clock prayer, Daily Prayer for priestly and religious vocations | |||
3:00 | - | Conference : Monday/Wednesday/Friday | |
4:00 | - | Personal time (Silence) | |
5:00 | - | TV News/CNN/Personal recreation | |
5:30 | - | Silence/Showers | |
6:00 | - |
Mass, with sharer, evening prayer after communion (or integrated) Saturday : Mass at 6:00, then Compline at 8:15 PM or Evening Prayer at 6:30, then Contemplative Mass at 8:15. |
|
7:00 | - | Supper; Grace before meals and reading of the following day’s Gospel Recommending birthday celebrants and deceased members of the Arnoldus Family to our prayers and Grace after Meals. |
Silence is observed even in the dining hall during Saturday as part of the SVD tradition. This Saturday silence also serves as Recollection time for every member of the community.
8:15 | - | Monday: | Compline and Devotion to the Holy Spirit and Benediction |
Tuesday: | Compline | ||
Wednesday: | Compline and Video Viewing | ||
Thursday: | Holy Hour | ||
Friday: | Compline | ||
Saturday: | Contemplative Mass/Compline |
K. Sunday Schedule
5:30 | - | Rising |
6:00 | - | Morning Prayer |
7:00 | - | Holy Mass (Homilist) |
8:30 | - | Breakfast |
9:30 | - | Cable TV |
11:00 | - | Spiritual Reading |
12:00 | - | Private Noon Prayer |
12:15 | - | Lunch |
1:00 | - | Silence up to 3:00 PM |
3:00 | - | Private mid-afternoon prayer, Cable TV |
5:30 | - | Silence, shower time |
6:00 | - | Vesper |
6:30 | - | Supper, Sunday Special |
9:00 | - | Compline |
*N.B. | - | First Semester: 1-hour dyads |
- | Second semester 30-minute dyads | |
- | Private mid-afternoon prayer, Cable TV | |
- | 15 minutes examination of conscience is inclusive of every compline | |
- | praying for the birthday celebrants of the day (novices, confreres, relatives) during the Mass | |
- | petitionary prayers for deceased relatives |
Means (Summary)
Daily Eucharist
Liturgy of the Hours
Monthly “ratios”
30-day retreat
Marian retreat, Saturday Recollections, Individual retreats
Retreat of the Holy Spirit
Weekly Conference
One-hour daily Meditation
Shared homilies
SVD Constitution, devotions and spirituality
“Visits” during the day
Spiritual readings: Sacred Scriptures and others
Regular Confessions
History of spiritualities
Prayer and Workshop
Dyad
Group Bible sharing
2. Missionary Level
Specific Goal:
To help the novice appreciate the missionary dimensions of
the SVD vocation foster
enthusiasm for the missionary work of the SVD, and develop an awareness of
the contemplative dimension of the active apostolate.
Indicators:
willingness to participate in the apostolate of the formation community
acceptance of the centrality/primacy in the apostolate
appreciation of the value of manual labor
manifests interest in the missions
convinced that the mission of the Society is his mission in life
manifest attitude of service
manifest concern of the poor
following the example of Jesus’ incarnation, he inserts himself in the actual situations of those whom he is serving
having an open mind and deep respect for the culture and religion of others
Means
Historical and Pastoral Presentations with Exhibits
1. The Three Philippine SVD Provinces: The Novices are divided into 3 groups corresponding to the 3 Philippine SVD Provinces. Each group will make some research on the history of the particular province. The week-long presentation starts with the opening of the exhibits. Afterwards there are daily presentations of the districts, the apostolates of the province, personnel, problems encountered, the challenges, hopes and prospects. The weeklong presentations end with a cultural night when the Novices present songs and dances native to the particular province. Some friends are invited to participate in the program. Others form part of the audience. After the pastoral presentation, the group is asked to evaluate their activity and reflect on their experience and write down what they have learned from the whole activity.
2. The Four SVD Zones Worldwide: The Novices are divided into 4 groups. Just like in the 3 provinces, the Novices do research on the different provinces of the 4 zones of the SVD Worldwide. They get know where the SVD’s are working all over the world. They learn to appreciate what they are doing they are inspired very much especially by the pioneering work of our confreres. Each zonal presentation ends with a cultural night. After their presentation, the group reflects on their work and make a written report on what they have learned from their groupwork.
A. Exposure (Major)
a. Mangyan Exposure (2 weeks)
Before the Mangyan exposure, an Introductory Course on the Mangyan culture is held (cf. Fr. Ewald Dinter SVD and Fr. Jiggs Orcino SVD). At the end of the Mangyan exposure is a day of evalution.
• Purposes of Exposure:
solidarity with the poor, passing over and dialogue
inculturation
apostolate of presence
B. Exposure (Minor Exposure)
Participation in the Liturgical calendar of the parish
Christ the King Feast
Fiesta, Fluvial Mass and Parade, New Year, etc.
Sunday mass at the Mission House/Cathedral
Dialogue with the disabled (deaf and mute)
To show concern and widen the novices perspective on humanity
Operation Gift-Giving (1 day with “palaro”)
Field Trips, Camping, Hiking
Giving retreats/recollection, singing engagement
C. Workshop/Seminars
Novitiate as threshold to Religious Life
Practical Skills Training (1-day session each)
electrical know-how
Plumbing
Culinary art
First aid
Carpentry
Bookbinding
Agriculture/Animal Husbandry
gardening (1-day)
Theology of the land (1-day)
Forestry (ways and means and methods)
Hog raising, poultry (techniques and methods for increased production)
Leadership Training
Values
How to handle groups, problems
How to facilitate
Ins and outs, etc.
D. Talks/Inputs/Conferences
1. Diffferent
charisms of the SVD
(1 day session each and slides, limited to the SVD Apostolate)
* for the awareness of the aspirants’ inclination
Mangyan Mission
School Administration
Formation
secular
SVD
Communication/Mass Media
Parish
Odisco(?)
Marriage Encounter
Superior delegates
OTPs
Provincial Superior
Treasurer
2. Arnoldus’ Family Talk and Mission sharing
SVD Brotherhood
Talks with the SSpS
SVD Friends
* to have a deeper and good interrelationship
3. Constitutions
class discussion, reporting and paper work
starts after the Retreat
the novices is already decided to live the religious life
the Novice Director gives the introduction
there are groups for every topic, then reporting and class discussion follow
individual reflections (2-3 pages)
4. Workers representative
jeepney drivers association
porters’ association
* for social awareness and solidarity
5. SVD Friends’ Talk (1 day)
to know the nature of the SVD Friends
to know their mission
6. Bishop’s Hour
2 times a year (June to December)
updating in the Vicariate’s activity/sharing
7. Alternative Lifestyle
Marriage Encounter
Single Blessedness
8. Awareness of Various Congregation Charisms
Reporting
E. Film/Slides
1. Missionary Correspondence
newsletter (at least 2 issues)
missionary penpals (at least 4 missionaries)
subscription magazines
World Mission
Other SVD Mission Magazines
2. Suggested Readings
Analecta
General Chapter
Document, Encyclicals, Pastoral News
3. Giving recollections and retreat in nearby schools and parishes.
F. Paperwork
Post-Exposures Reflections (at least 5 pages) Mangyan
Constitutions (2-3 pages)
Missionary Life of Bl. Arnold Janssen ( at least 5 pages)
Invitation-Giving Talks
Reflections on one of the 3 Evangelical Counsels
Means (Summary)
talks by visiting Filipino Missionaries
publication
daily work (in the vegetable garden, laundry, kitchen, gathering firewood, feeding animals, household chores, library
correspondence with our missionaries
inputs on the mission and charism of the SVD
Mangyan exposure
Seminar on Missiology and Anthopology
i. Psycho-Emotional Level
Specific Goal:
To lead the novice to arrive at psycho-spiritual integration whereby he begins to attain self-identity defined by the religious vows and thus be prepared to make a free and responsible choice for the religious/missionary life in the SVD.
Indicators:
at ease with one’s strength and weakness
willing to correct and be corrected
is aware and accepts the need to be loved and to love
accepts one’s own worth and the worth of others
at ease with one’s own and other sexuality
able to handle emotions for one’s growth
is aware and accepts inner conflicts and contradictions
able to handle periods of quietness and capable of handling loneliness
capable of compassionate feelings for others
manifests happy and serene attitude as a religious
is self-initiating, responsible, and creative
able to cope up and take the consequence of one’s decisions
able to articulate to others and for himself the motives of his choice
is at home with the decision to take the vows or to live his Christianity in the context of another vocation
shows certain directedness in life in terms of personal goals
has positive attitude towards the vows as the necessary means to give himself fully and freely to his new way of life
is happy and comfortable with a simple lifestyle
is comfortable with the role of superiors in his new life.
Means :
I. Exposure No. 1 - DWCC-DAPO
Expected Outcomes :
acceptance of self through others’ self worth
the experience can encourage the individual to develop his talents
awareness of the social illnesses
awareness of dignity of human life as temple of the Holy Spirit
These persons must not only be regarded as object of our pity and love, i.e. objects of apostolate but equally important, they teach us to value human life.
Reflection papers and group processing
II. Servant Leaders
Term of Office | : | General Servant | : | 3 months |
Other Servants | : | 2 months | ||
Some servants | : | 1 months | ||
1st batch | - | by appointment | ||
2nd batch | - | by election | ||
3rd batch | - | volunteer by desiderata | ||
4th batch | - | volunteer (1st come, 1st serve) | ||
Reasons for the following: | ||||
Appointment | : |
- for the appointed novices to be able to accept responsibilities
given by the superior, in consonance with the Society’s thrust of
apostolic obedience as one of the counsels - to develop one’s humility and flexibility |
||
Election | : | - to be able to accept the decision of the community as regards the office | ||
Volunteer | : | - to be able to develop one’s capacities and potentials in serving the community through one’s initiative |
Topics for Wednesday Conferences:
Values and the importance of Openness
Responsibility to God, to self and to others
Praying our goodbyes
III. Other Activities
psycho and /or spiritual films plus sharing of reflections
counseling after confession
attending Big and Biggest day
Acceptance of invitation from outside (talks and Seminars)
Ratio/spiritual direction (at least once a month)
B. Group Processing
to build up trust which would eventually establish an atmosphere of openness in the community
to share reflections, experiences, problems
C. Fraternal Correction/Peer Evaluation
- willingness to correct and be corrected, thus helping the individual to be aware of his own strength and weaknesses.
Both written and oral
Mechanics:
Written: by areas covering the 5 aspect of formation; positive and negative comments inclusive
Oral: class openness (group process) with the presence of a formator as a facilitator
1st fraternal correction:
it is presupposed that the written evaluation has been received by the novice concerned.
during the group process the facilitator will be the one to read the written evaluation once the novice concerned positions himself infront of the class
after the reading the novice concerned will give his response
if anyone among the class wishes to elaborate some of the comments given and heard he may do so.
Suggestions for the growth of the novice concerned are most welcome
2nd fraternal correction:
during the group process, the novice concerned will first give his self-evaluation before he receives the written evaluation of the class about him
the method will give rise to an atmosphere of honest and personal assessment of the novice regardless of what others say
D. Human Sexuality
Relevance : The topic is considered as a response to the life of a novice being initiated into the Religious Life where he learns to embrace the beauty as well as the challenges of celibacy in contrast to what has been presupposed in the pre-novitiate program.
Subtopics:
Human Dimension
relation with the opposite sex and same sex
issues on effeminacy and homosexuality
perversions
Spiritual
sexuality as a gift from God; giving up something good for a greater good
Social
how to cope with questions and problems concerning celibacy, e.g., celibacy as a form of escapism, seminarian-girl relationship: ban or boon?
Missionary
celibacy, a life-long commitment
E. Seminar on Health and Wholeness
healing of memories
healing of hang-ups
stress and tension management
oriental medicine
panic healing
emotionally-induced illness
F. Seminar on Psycho-Emotional Spiritual Integration
interpersonal relationship
love and friendship
Note : Apologizing
acceptance of one’s mistake and failures
humility and accountability
IX Marriage Encounter and/or Dialogue with Couples
Relevance:
The novices gains a deeper insight on commitment in relationship viz-a-viz
the life-long commitment a religious missionary life entails. It can also
lead to awareness and acceptance of the need to love and to be loved.
Means (Summary)
Write-up of personal history
Seminars/group process for self-knowledge and growth
Conference on guidance
Meditation, awareness examination, confessions
Interviews
Journal writing
One week seminar on the art of listening and intensive journal writing
Seminar on dream analysis
4. Social Community Level
Specific
Goal:
To help the novice experience and value the spiritual dimension of
community life implied by the religious vows and its apostolic dimensions
contained in our missionary vocation.
Indicators:
knows the vision and charism of the Society
aware of the apostolic dimension of the community life.
Accepts the responsibilities and the roles to contribute to the building up of the community
Accepts the need to belong to the community as his primary group
Accepts the priority of community good over personal interest
Willing to share his faith experiences
Participates actively in community activities as in liturgy and prayer, recreation, planning, evaluation
Has the capacity to bear each other’s personal weaknesses patiently and with the tensions resulting from differences of temperament, age and culture
Able to enter into personal relationship with each one and contribute toward an experience that all feel accepted and at home in the community
Feels personally responsible for any community outreach program
Means:
• WORK :
groundwork(M-F) 8:45-10:15 AM
housework (daily) 8:15-8:45 AM
general housework(Saturday) 8:15-10:00 AM
the novice learns to accept the priority of community good over personal interest
• SPORTS:
Outdoors/indoors: Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday
(3:45-5:00 PM) (Sunday is optional)
to know one’s attitudes and sense of personal discipline
• DYADS (Monday-Saturday) (Novice-novice sharing)
- scheduled dyads (after morning prayers)
- unscheduled dyads (permission from the Novice Master
* for one to personally know each of the members of the community
• GROUP SHARING (Bible Sharing)
* the novices feed one another with the Word of God by sharing faith experiences. One from the group shares the fruits of the sharing during the Mass of the day.
• SINGING PRACTICE (Monday and Friday, 3:00-4:00 PM)
* To improve the liturgy
• SUNDAY SHARING (Mass)
anyone may share his reflections based on the Gospel to the community
foster a free atmosphere of sharing in the community within the context of the Eucharist
• SUNDAY SPECIALS (Supper time)
spontaneous sharing of talents: songs, poems, jokes, compositions
* To help the novice develop a sense of confidence in himself and learn to appreciate the uniqueness of others
• FAMILY HOUR (monthly, last Sunday of the month)
theme
prayer before and after
talent portion
sharing of one’s life
tribute to the birthday celebrants of the month
the numbers presented center around the theme, e.g., love, peace, etc.,
• COMMUNITY BUILDING SEMINAR (CBS) 5 TO 7 DAYS
INTRAMS (Tuesdays-Thursdays-Sundays)
Kick off:
parade, invocation, oath taking, cheering, games outdoors and indoors, etc.
essay writing (s), logo making, song composition, culmination in “Pulo”, awarding, swimming
* To deepen the spirit of camaraderie
• GROUP GROWTH (weekly, Saturday afternoon)
small group processing an activity in which the novices process their emotions and share their growth by finding support from one another
• SVD Novices “Big Day”
Activities
joint celebration with the SVDs in Mindoro
Eucharistic celebration
joint meal
programs
games
• FIRST CORRECTIO FRATERNA
• PAROL MAKING
enhances creativity of the novice
• BELEN, CHRISTMAS TREE, HOUSE DECORATION
develops the value of working as a team/group
• CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH LOCAL BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS
• SECOND CORRECTIO FRATERNA
• SOCIAL AWARENESS
Through relevant media exposures: TV and radio programs
news
social discussions
religious issues
talks by some TV personalities
monthly Mass in the Mission house
votatio
OTHERS
sharing by some SVD’s in Mindoro
class meeting depends on the needs and situations
beta viewing (Wednesday, sharing of reflections the following day)
dorm arrangements, sitting arrangements (dining hall, study hall, chapel):
monthly the novices become aware and learn to accept difficulties connected
with community life
servants’ meeting depends on the needs and situations
* The novices help solve each other’s problems.
birthdays
singing card
spontaneous program
interaction with those around:
SVDs and SSpS
Means (Summary)
inputs on community life
daily schedule
community building activities
community responsibilities
community group sharing
correctio fraterna
evaluations
5. Academic Level
Specific Goal:
To help the novice integrate the love of study and reflection in the
context of contemplative prayer and apostolic work.
Indicators:
is able to articulate his novitiate experience in written and oral forms
shows love and passion for truth
is faithful in his spiritual readings
shares his knowledge to others
shows discipline in the making of his paper requirements by submitting them on time
Means:
paperwork
post- exposure reflections
post- retreat reflections
personal salvation history
favorite saint
Blessed Arnold Janssen/Blessed Joseph of Shantung
paper on the vows
article and book reviews
PARENTS’ CONSENT FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD (SVD) AND THE ST. JOSEPH FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
The Formation Program at the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House (SFFH) is holistic in approach. Part and parcel of the program is an awareness that the socio-economic and political realities of our country has much influence to our being human, Christian, and religious at the same time. A formation of particularly Christian response to these realities is therefore called for.
In our attempt to accompany the seminarians in this aspect of formation, we, the formators, will allow them to get in touch with cause-oriented groups which contact, to our estimation, would be helpful in the formation of a reflective and creative Christian social awareness and identity. Consequently, we will participate in peaceful demonstrations, prayer rallies, and other related activities, in order to support a common stand on present pressing issues in society. The formators of the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House will be responsible in selecting the groups to support and the common stand to be arrived at.
In this connection, therefore, we ask you to allow your son to join such mentioned concerns and activities we hope to support. We will respect whatever opinion and feelings you have on this matter, and they will never influence us in the way we look and deal with your son’s formation.
Date: | ___________________________________ |
Parents/Guardians : | ___________________________________ |
BFFH Prefect : | ___________________________________ |
BFFH Rector : | ___________________________________ |
PARENTS’ CONSENT
FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION
IN THE APOSTOLATE OF THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR APOSTOLATE EXPOSURE OF THE SEMINARIANS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE MINISTRY AS RELIGIOUS MISSIONARIES IN THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD.
I AM, THEREFORE, GIVING PERMISSION TO THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TO LET MY SON PARTICIPATE IN THEIR EXPOSURE MINISTRY PROGRAM TO THE OLD AND DYING FOLKS AT “GASA SA GUGMA” CENTER, THE HOMELESS AND THE STREET CHILDREN AT COLON STREET, CEBU CITY.
SIGNED: | _____________________________ PARENTS |
_____________________________ FORMATOR |
|
_____________________________ DATE |
APPENDIX
PARENTS’ CONSENT FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD (SVD) AND THE ST. JOSEPH FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
The Formation Program at the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House (SFFH) is holistic in approach. Part and parcel of the program is an awareness that the socio-economic and political realities of our country has much influence to our being human, Christian, and religious at the same time. A formation of particularly Christian response to these realities is therefore called for.
In our attempt to accompany the seminarians in this aspect of formation, we, the formators, will allow them to get in touch with cause-oriented groups which contact, to our estimation, would be helpful in the formation of a reflective and creative Christian social awareness and identity. Consequently, we will participate in peaceful demonstrations, prayer rallies, and other related activities, in order to support a common stand on present pressing issues in society. The formators of the St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House will be responsible in selecting the groups to support and the common stand to be arrived at.
In this connection, therefore, we ask you to allow your son to join such mentioned concerns and activities we hope to support. We will respect whatever opinion and feelings you have on this matter, and they will never influence us in the way we look and deal with your son’s formation.
Date: | ___________________________________ |
Parents/Guardians: | ___________________________________ |
BFFH Prefect: | ___________________________________ |
BFFH Rector: | ___________________________________ |
PARENTS’ CONSENT
FOR SEMINARIANS’ PARTICIPATION
IN THE APOSTOLATE OF THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR APOSTOLATE EXPOSURE OF THE SEMINARIANS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE MINISTRY AS RELIGIOUS MISSIONARIES IN THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD.
I AM, THEREFORE, GIVING PERMISSION TO THE ST. FREINADEMETZ FORMATION HOUSE TO LET MY SON PARTICIPATE IN THEIR EXPOSURE MINISTRY PROGRAM TO THE OLD AND DYING FOLKS AT “GASA SA GUGMA” CENTER, THE HOMELESS AND THE STREET CHILDREN AT COLON STREET, CEBU CITY.
SIGNED: | ________________________________________ PARENTS |
________________________________________ FORMATOR |
|
________________________________________ DATE |
In the SVD, there are two kinds of vocations: the priesthood and the brotherhood, laymen and clerics (SVD Const. # 104, 511.5). Each vocation is unique but complementary to each other. Both share in the one religious missionary vocation in the SVD.
A candidate for the priesthood devotes his formation life to years of study in philosophy and theology, living in a religious community of individuals with the same aspiration and goal, and doing various apostolate exposures to gain experiences for future ministry (SVD Const. # 516ff). His spirituality is specific to his future priestly ministry.
A candidate to the brotherhood gives years of study in various professional courses, which includes a two-year study in theology, lives in a religious community which considers the living of the evangelical counsels, prayer, and work central, and does apprentice works related to his professional educational training (SVD Const. # 515ff). His spirituality is specific to his future lay-religious ministry in the SVD and in the Church.
Thus when a seminarian shifts to the brotherhood naturally his whole orientation has to be tuned-in to the life and mission specific, but not exclusive, to the brothers. That need is the focus of a one-year program of formation.
The program is intended for those who shift to the brotherhood after novitiate. The venue will be the brother formation house in Cebu, and the director of the program will be the prefect of post-novitiate or the national director of the brother formation program. The time frame is one year depending on the evaluation of the growth, or lack of it, in the person of the candidate.
The one-year program is a period of introduction. There are three key areas which the new brother will have to be introduced into: 1) identity of SVD Brother, 2) community life with the brothers, and 3) a new program of study. The program of activities is inclusive of the standard five areas of development – spiritual, psycho-emotional, social, missionary, and academics – with emphasis on the three areas identified above.
The program will be process-oriented; all existential experiences and the cognitions born thereof shall be put into the context of a conversation where they will be shared, reenacted, interpreted, pieced together, and personally owned. At the end of the year, there will be an evaluation of the program, of the formator, and of the junior brother’ growth.
The program aims to introduce the new brother into the whole understanding of the unique vocation of brotherhood in the SVD. A reading, reflecting, and sharing about the history of brothers, its self-understanding, formation, vision, spirituality of mission, the brother image and issues related to status, hierarchy, and culture is essential to an understanding of the identity of the SVD brother.
Through an experience of living in a community of brothers the program also aims to provide a strong existential, affective, and relational experience to the new brother. What would be offered in the experience is an invaluable knowledge – factual and intuitive – of the reality of the brothers. For example, community prayer and work play a key role in the life experience of a brother. Such experiential knowledge will be helpful when the junior brother moves into a bigger SVD community of priests and brothers.
To prepare the junior brother into an area of specialization where he will be professionally competent the program will provide sufficient time for academic development. Based on one’s aptitude and the needs of the society, the new junior brother will embark on a study program of choice to gain the skills and knowledge specific to the kind of ministry he will do in the future in the SVD mission.
After one year of various formational activities, the junior brother will have achieved the following as will be shown in written and verbal evaluations, and in observable behaviors shown in the areas of self-knowledge, understanding the brotherhood vocation in the SVD, academic performance, community living, faith life, and ministry exposures:
Appreciate the life and mission of the brothers in the history of the SVD
Identify oneself with the various roles the brothers play in the SVD mission today
Explain with clarity and conviction, to himself and to others, the unique aspects of the brotherhood vocation and those aspects that brothers share with their clerical counterparts in the one religious missionary vocation in the SVD
Face and deal with constructively those elements of the Filipino culture that are bias against the religious brothers
Complete at least 18-27 units in graduate study
Obtain a 2.0 grade point average in courses taken, no 3.0 or NC grade
Develop a meaningful connection between his studies and SVD mission
Demonstrate, via practical contributions to community, initially acquired skills and knowledge in line with one’s field of study
Attend regularly most of the community activities
Show respect to others in their differences
Point out instances in which he feels the community has made him mature in faith and in relational life
See himself as a brother, happy and contributing, in the SVD mission
Feel confident that this is what God wants him to be
FAITH-VOCATIONAL LIFE
monthly spiritual direction
weekly conferences
weekly guided readings and reflection – Rel. Life, SVD Brotherhood
semestral recollection and annual retreat
monthly ratio
monthly AJS faith-sharing
COMMUNITY LIFE
schedule: common prayer, meals, recreation, housework, meetings, recollections, and extra-community activities
policies: accountabilities, use of community resources, vacations, etc..
AFFECTIVE-MOTIVATIONAL LIFE
individual counseling sessions – USC counselors
psychological tests
guided readings and reflections – selfhood, culture, and value formation
CPE (timed outside school schedule)
referral talks
MINISTRY EXPOSURE (any one of the following)
work at the SVD communication center
JPIC related work
teaching load at USC
campus ministry at USC or elsewhere
NOTE: Processing of work experiences is integrated in the weekly conferences unless otherwise needed
STUDY PROGRAM
requirements for study approval: application letter, statement of purpose
study of choice to be agreed upon and approved by the director of the program in consultation with the brother formation team
master’s level or graduate study – considered as specialization study
Midyear Performance Report (first week of October)
written self-appraisal by the junior brother
feedbacks from the academic adviser at school
feedbacks from the formation team
Annual Votatio (first week of February)
written self-evaluation of the junior brother (middle of February)
feedbacks from the members of the formation community (simple format)
evaluation from the formation team
evaluation and recommendation by the program director to Provincial Council
List of Readings – 2 sets: 1)faith-vocational , 2) affective-motivational
Daily Schedule
Format: Midyear Performance Report
Format: Annual Votatio – Simple Format
This Brother Theological Formation Program in the Philippines is based on the written SVD Formation Program for the Philippines presented by the Formation Board and duly approved by the Inter-Provincial Councils of the Country. Since Theological Formation falls under the area of ACADEMICS, this rationale will be limited to this area alone.
Goal of Post Novitiate Program
The Post-Novitiate Program alms at enabling the confreres in temporary vows to further internalize their vocation and appropriate a methodology of growth towards a life-long personal commitment to Christ in the SVD, and the development of an attitude of readiness to assume responsibility and the missionary task of the Society as a Brother or Priest.
This overall goal for the Post-Novitiate Program is supposed to be approximated through the FIVE AREAS OF GROWTH (psycho-emotional; social; spiritual; missionary; academic), which in turn have their own respective goals to be achieved.
Since we are concerned with the ACADEMIC AREA alone, we spell out here the goal of the academic area.
Goal for Academic Area
1. To help the confrere in temporary vows attain familiarity with the World of God and the Living Tradition of the Church and cultivate a sensitivity to the signs of the times and thus be able to reflect on their own faith experiences and thus occasion and challenge people to reflect on theirs.
The guiding and leading people to articulate their own faith experiences IS NOT the primary role of religious in the Church. Primarily, the life-style (not so much direct preaching) of a religious is supposed to challenge people look into their own. In fact our constitution proposed to the brothers emphasizes precisely this point.
Cons. 515:
The brothers are called to carry out the missionary task of the Church,
entrusted to every Christian in baptism and confirmation in the decisive
way called for by the religious life.
Cons. 515.2
Brothers should be offered a SUITABLE BASIC THEOLOGICAL AND
MISSIOLOGICAL EDUCATION in addition to their professional training so that
they can enter more deeply into their vocation and work in catechetical
and pastoral fields.
Given the above mentioned constitutional stipulations, we can gather the following as motives for this THEOLOGICAL FORMATION.
Program Objectives
to enter deeply into their vocation (i.e. carrying out the missionary task of the Church entrusted to every Christian but in the decisive way called for the religious life).
to help them in their catechetical and pastoral apostolate – especially for those who will be doing this kind of work directly.
Program Description
The program is envisioned to run for two (2) years, the main focus of which is academic, i.e., studies on various theological courses.
The content of the courses follow a basic “theological thread” of INVITATION and RESPONSE (God who invites and man who responds to the invitation). This approach not given in the same way as it done in theological faculties, will hopefully home-in to a deep reflection on basic issues about vocation: What are my needs? Are they compatible to my values? Why do I want to be a Brother today? Who is this God I’m relating to?
The second important component of the program includes an apostolate done with any one of the four SVD-preferred dialogue partners – poor, faith seekers, other religions, other cultures - and the accompanying individual conference aimed at processing faith experience.
The third component of the program is a 10-week course in Clinical Pastoral Education done during summer after the first year of theology studies. The course offers to the young brother an opportunity for serious self-appraisal and self-enhancement in a supervised clinical-pastoral context in a hospital. Moreover, the experience the young brother gets in this course will give him personal skills for pastoral work.
Indicators for Growth
The goals mentioned above are approximated through the five areas of growth namely, psycho-emotional, social, spiritual, missionary and academic each with corresponding set of indicators. Of great importance in the program is the specific expectation on the brothers to gain a clear knowledge of the understanding and misunderstanding of the brotherhood vocation. This expectation presupposes a critical confrontation of the role of the religious given its historical and cultural context, i.e. strong clerical orientation in the Filipino culture, clericalism in the church, new challenges for brothers today, etc.
Matters to be Covered
Introduction to Theology
Introduction to Scriptures
Christian Anthropology **
Salvation History
Grace
God
Christology
The Church
Mariology
Sacraments
Christian Spirituality **
Religious Life **
SVD Charism **
Faith
1. Collation:
1.1. To be taken during Pre-Novitiate
Salvation History
Christian Anthropology
2.2 To be taken during Novitiate
Christian Spirituality
Religious Life
SVD Charism
3. Rationalized
The theological course for the brothers should not be given in the same way as it is done in theological faculties. However, this should not mean a short changing as far as content is concerned. The course has rationale to approximate. This should, therefore, influence the content and the process of how to achieve the rationale.
4. The Content
INTRODUCTIONS
Introduction to Theology
Introduction to Scriptures
Faith and Secularization
A. THE GOD WHO INVITES
Grace (The History of God’s Invitation)
The God who invites
The Invitation in Christ
The Invitation that is the Church (Spirit)
The Invitation in the Sacraments
B. THE GOD WHO INVITES
Response as Grace
Christ the Pattern of Response
Christian Life
Virtues
Sin/Conversion
The Spirit in Christian Life
The Mission of the Christian
*Time line
The above program is to be spread out in two years time ( i.e. in four (4)
semesters).
The Junior Brother in this stage of formation is usually in the 3rd Year in temporary vows. He has already attained college education, had been introduced to religious life in his novitiate, and had initial experience in living out the evangelical counsels in a community of professed religious while being assisted, through his theological formation program, to understand more deeply the meaning of his vocation. Naturally, he is experiencing “movement” of growth is envisioned to be achieved by a continuity of the formation process placed in a “new environment” outside the formation center community—temporary assignment program---which will require from him more active, apostolic involvement in the area of his interest and training or profession.
Description of the Program:
The stage of temporary assignment is a two-year period of supervised apostolic ministry done in any local SVD community in the Philippines, outside of formation house in Cebu. The Junior Brother, after his theological studies and prior to his renewal of vows, applies for temporary assignment. Following its approval by the Provincial Superior (cf Guidelines….Communicating the Information) he is assigned to a fulltime job “that corresponds to his abilities and inclination as well as to the missionary task of the Society” (Cos. 515.1)
It is called temporary assignment and it form as a part of the Brother Formation Program. (It is not an assignments for perpetually professed SVDs). All Junior Brothers are, therefore, required to go through it.
The active, “new”, less structured lifestyle of the placement area is the context of the process of growth. Its contents are the work assignment, the formation covenant, the supervision provided, and various tools to be used for monitoring and evaluating performance, reactions and reflection to experience, and growth (cf. Means to Achieve the Objectives). The venue of the work varies: supervisory work in media centers, radio, specialized support enterprises (mechanic, carpentry), teaching in schools, apostolic work in the parish, administration work in a retreat house, district house or provincial house. At the end of the assignment, the Junior Brother will be evaluated for his readiness and suitability to prepare for perpetual vows.
In addition to the objectives stated in Constitution 513, the objective of this period of formation is “to assist the Junior Brother to integrate himself into the life and works of the Society in the Philippines, and in the world.”
1. Formation Covenant
This is a signed contract between the Junior Brother and his formation supervisor which itemize the functions, responsibilities and expectations of both parties. This is one of the tools to be used for the performance’s evaluation of the Junior Brother (cf. Appendix A).
2. Work assignment
Work assignment is the job which the placement area assigns to the Junior Brother. The type of work depends on his interests and professional training.
3. Journal
A journal is a record of personal reactions, reflections to any event encountered by the Junior Brother in his life and work during the assignment. Done faithfully and regularly, it will bring out certain trends in the personality of the Junior Brother which could be guided towards a healthy full-flowering of himself in formation.
4. Performance Appraisal Report
This report is to be accomplished in the middle of the school year (last week of October) by both the supervisor (s) and the Junior Brother, and submitted to the Brother Formation Team (BFT) in Cebu. Contents of the report would be the following:
Junior Brother’s performance in his area of work (cf. Formation covenant, job descriptions)
His performance as a member of the SVD Community
His life as a religious.
5. Supervision
The formation supervisor plays a vital role in the growth of the Junior Brother through supervision. “Supervision is a method in which the supervisor (SVD Brother or Priest) covenant together to reflect critically on their ministry as a way of growing in self-awareness, professional competence, theological understanding, and Christian commitment” (DWS Regency Program). The experience in temporary assignment becomes truly significant when the Junior Brother comes to grips with the reality of the events he encounters and becomes aware and understands the manner with which he is responding to those stimuli, with the supervisor’s guidance (supervision). This is the proper formation event of this program. Of utmost importance in supervisory function is the monthly formation reflection (cf. Guidelines... Responsibilities of the Formation Supervisor)
6. Annual Votatio
The first annual votatio is to assist the BFT in determining the Junior Brother’s suitability to renew his temporary vows; the second, for the perpetual vows. All members of the community who are in vows (perpetual and temporary) are expected to contribute in the evaluation process. Other people, i.e., secretaries, parish workers, etc. may be invited to participate depending on the discretion of the formation supervisor. (cf. Appendix B)
7. Yearend Supervisor’s Evaluation
This separate written evaluation by the supervisor (s) is an addendum to the annual votatio done by the community. The rationale behind is to obtain more information (inputs) for the Junior Brother’s evaluation as the supervisor (s) would have more knowledge of him and his performance given the close working relationship with him. Using the standard format, the evaluation is expected to be more detailed and includes specific recommendations for the benefit of the Junior Brother’s formation.
8. Personal Evaluation
The Junior Brother is to make an evaluation of himself and the program every year based on his experiences and reflections (cf. Appendix C)
Note: All evaluation are to be done in February and submitted to the BFT and House Council of the Formation House-Cebu. The Cebu House Council will then cast their votes and make recommendations to the Provincial Council.
Indicators
In addition to the indicators of the Post-Novitiate level as outlined in the overall formation program in the Philippine SVD, the Junior Brother in this particular stage of formation is expected to experience growth in terms of:
His ability to take the position of a learner, humbly and with gratitude, working effectively with people who are far more experienced and more competent than he is.
His ability to enter into a level of interpersonal relationship where he is expected more and more to give himself to others while maintaining a balance in his own life, continuing to grow in relationship to God.
His ability to recognize opportunities wherein he could contribute his ideas and talents for the common goal.
His willingness to spend long hours to active apostolate.
Ability to be accountable to the appropriate persons according to the nature of the activity: self. Local community, province, c-workers, superiors.
Guidelines for Practical Implementation of the temporary Assignment Program
Communicating the Information
The BFT looks for a community where valid formation is possible and where there is a formation supervisor available.
The BFT informs the Brother Advisory Board (BAB) and the provincial Superiors of the list of Junior Brothers who are ready for temporary assignment. The information that will be passed pertinent to the temporary assignment application should include: their training, choice of placement areas, preferences for type of work, letter of application, and the recommendations of the Brother Formation team and the House Council of Cebu.
The Provincial Superior and his Council gives the final decision on the applications and communicates this to the local community of the placement area, the BFT, and the House Council in Cebu.
The BFT visits the local community and acquaint the concerned confreres (those whom the Junior Brother would have to closely work with) about the temporary assignment program, and the need to appoint a local formation supervisor. A list of names (nominees) is to be forwarded to the Provincial Superior.
The Provincial Superior, in consultation with the local community and the BFT, appoints in writing a local formation supervisor with copy furnish to the BFT and the local community. Attach to the appointment for the implementation of the temporary assignment program, and form of the formation covenant.
The BFT makes the final arrangements, i.e., time of arrival, transportation, briefings to the Junior Brothers.
Giving the Orientation
The appointed local formation supervisor shares and discusses the outline of the formation process with the Junior Brother soon after his arrival in the placement area in view of formulating and signing a formation covenant.
The supervisor introduces the Junior Brother to the members of the local community as well as to other SVD and religious communities. Whenever suitable, the Junior Brother is also introduced to the Bishop (cf. Responsibilities of the Formation Supervisor)
In situations where the work of the Junior Brother is supervised by a confrere other than the formation supervisor, said confrere (work supervisor is to give the orientation of the work involved, a written job description, and introduces him to his co-workers in the area of work (cf. Responsibilities of the Work Supervisor).
Other necessary orientation relative to the life and work in the community or district level is to be received from the local superiors --- Rector, District Supervisor or the School President. Examples: House Policies and School Policies.
Formulating the Covenant
The Junior Brother and his formation supervisor develop the plan of growth. (cf. Appendix A).
The local community, through the formation supervisor, enters into a formation covenant – a written contract – with the Junior Brother. This is to avoid confusion and conflicts which may arise from unclear rules, responsibilities and hidden expectations of both the Junior Brother and his superiors in the community. The contract then details those rules, responsibilities, and accountabilities of both parties.
A copy of the covenant is sent to each of the local superiors-Rector, District Superior, School President, Work Supervisor- and to the Brother Formation Team.
Responsibilities of the Formation Supervisor
The temporary assignment program is a part or normal stage of formation of the Brother candidate. As such, the formation process is taken over by the local community where the Junior Brother is assigned. This accomplished through the appointed local formation supervisor. His responsibilities include:
To communicate the support of the SVDs of the Province to the Junior Brother and to welcome him to the local community. To introduce the Junior Brother to his local superiors, to the Bishop if it seems suitable, and to others SVD communities in the placement area.
To collaborate with Junior Brother to his local superiors, to the Bishop if it seems suitable, and to other SVD communities in the placement area.
To collaborate with the Junior Brother to his local superiors, to the Bishop if it seems suitable, and to other SVD communities in the placement area.
To monitor, through a monthly formation reflection (cf. Appendix D), the progress of the Junior Brother in his effort to be faithful to the covenant and accomplish his goals.
To assist the Junior Brother in all his talents, gifts, limitations, by encouraging him to take part in opportunities for personal and professional development, i.e., organizing a vocation week program, recollections, and other enrichment workshop.
To provide competent spiritual direction and resources-books, retreats-for his spiritual growth.
To challenge the Junior Brother to integrity, to generosity, to self transcendence, and to deeper commitment as the need arises, i.e. conflict situations, etc.
To respond to the request for assistance to the various needs of the Junior Brother, i.e., financial needs for projects and travel, giving permission except for leave of absence and home vacation, etc.
To assist in the promotion to vows procedure by facilitating the process of evaluation for the Junior Brother in the local community. To submit copies of evaluations to the BFT together with his (supervisor’s) own evaluation of the Junior Brother. (cf. Appendix B)
To assist the Junior Brother discern his readiness for final commitment, and plans for immediate preparation as needed. ( The Junior Brother is due for final vows as the next stage of his formation).
To periodically (October and February) inform the local superiors and BFT of the progress of the Junior Brother’s life and work in the community: performance appraisal report and yearned evaluation. (cf. Means to Achieve the Objectives)
Responsibilities of the Work Supervisor
The work supervisor is a person or confrere other than the formation supervisor who overseas the Junior Brother’s performance in his work. This happens when a Junior Brother is assigned to a particular school department (Engineering), special apostolates (media center, Radio, Community Organizing), or Campus Ministry in our colleges or universities, and the formation supervisor is not the head or director of the said apostolate or department. The duties of the work supervisor include:
To receive, introduce and orient the Junior Brother to his work, c-worker, and work environment.
To issue and clarify with the Junior Brother his job description (also expectations). A copy of the job description is to be attached to the formation covenant of which the formation supervisor and the BFT has a copy.
In case where work demands are in conflict with the Junior Brother’s other responsibilities, the work supervisor should coordinate with the formation supervisor. Note: The primary obligation of the Junior Brother is his overall formation. As such, the demands of work should not sacrifice his other responsibilities.
To assist in the formation process of the Junior Brother in terms of written evaluation reports: performance appraisal, report, votatio, yearend evaluation, submitted to the formation supervisor. (cf. Means to Achieve Objectives, #4 & 7).
Responsibilities of Local Superior(s) and Community
The local superior in the placement area is the canonical superior of the Junior Brother. He has the full authority over them and the responsibility to look after their well-being However, the immediate responsibility for supervision is fulfilled by the formation supervisor. The local superior and local community’s duties in the program include:
To determine the work assignment and placement of the Junior Brother in consultation with the provincial superior and BFT.
To assist the BFT in recommending a list of possible formation supervisors to the Provincial Superior.
To keep in touch with the Junior Brother, whenever possible, in view of giving him personal support and guidance, and for monitoring his progress.
To give permission for home vacation and leave of absence (if requested), in consultation with the formation and work supervisors.
To participate in the promotion to vows procedure in terms of a written votatio done usually at yearned prior to the renewal of vows, as well as before the end of the term of the Junior Brother’s assignment.
Responsibilities of the Brother formation Team
To assist the Junior Brother in making his application for temporary assignment to the Provincial Superior.
To communicate his availability for temporary assignment to the three provinces in the Philippine SVD as well as to the local community or placement area within the province.
To coordinate with the local superior of the placement area in finding a suitable formation supervisor for the junior Brother.
To acquaint the local community especially the formation supervisor, of the philosophy, goals and contents of the temporary assignment program, and their corresponding responsibilities in implementing it.
To identify and clarify specific needs of the program like the completion of the formation covenant, monthly formation reflection with the Junior Brother; days for reports, votatio and for renewal of vows.
To explain and discuss with the Junior Brother the goals and expectations for the temporary assignment prior to his departure to the placement area.
To visit the Junior Brother twice a year, at the least, in the placement area.
To secure the support and involvement (in terms of visits, invitations to meetings, sharing of experiences on a given opportunity) of the Brothers working near or around the placement area of the Junior Brother assigned.
To maintain regular contact with the formation supervisor for purposes of monitoring the progress of the Junior Brother.
To initiate yearend evaluations, votatio, and recommendations to the Provincial Superior.
1. CANONICAL
SUPERIOR:
The local superior of the placement area is the canonical superior of the
Junior Brother although the immediate responsibility of implementing the
temporary assignment program, as arranged with the BFT, is fulfilled by
the formation supervisor.
2. TYPE OF WORK:
The type of work to be assigned to the Junior Brother should be in line
with his interest and professional training (Cons. 514.1)
3. LEVEL OF JOB
POSITION:
The Junior Brother should not be placed in the level of a fulltime
managerial position immediately – something that is beyond his competence.
His assignment, or may be called an apprenticeship, is mainly for purposes
of formation which allows him to work and contribute only so much
according to the level of his capacity, and guided by his formation goals,
under the supervision of a competent SVD confrere in charge.
4. WORK DEMANDS:
Work demands should not sacrifice or make second priority his other
obligations as a formand, i.e., his presence and participation in
community activities such as prayer, meetings, etc.. In case of conflict,
coordination is utmost importance.
5. FINANCES:
The Brother Formation House will shoulder the Junior Brother’s transport
expenses to the placement area. All other subsequent expenses incurred
during the assignment until his return back to Cebu, is to be paid by the
local community or receiving community. Said expenses include monthly
allowance (expectedly the same amount given to other members of the
community, and a travel allowance for a privileged annual retreat together
with the Regents in the province as well as for his home vacation.
6. HOME VACATION
As provide for in the Constitution 308.3, the Junior Brother could go for
a three-week home vacation. Timing should be such that it is the most
suitable opportunity considering the needs of the placement area. With
endorsements from the formation and work supervisors, the local superior
is to give the permission for home vacation. The cost of travel and pocket
money is to be provided by the local community. Further, the 3 weeks
should be spent in one stretch only. It is intended to be spent with
family and relatives.
7. OTHER
REQUESTS FOR PERMISSION
Invitations from family members are relatives requesting the Junior
Brother’s attendance for weddings, birthdays, reunions, anniversary
parties and other occasions, except for a death in the family, are
normally not to be accepted as valid reasons that would merit a permission
for a leave of absence by the local superior in consultation with the
formation and work supervisors.
8. SUMMER:
Plan of activities, i.e. classes, camps, that would entail going out from
the placement area the whole summertime is to be requested in writing by
the junior Brother from the BFT (Cebu) through and with the endorsements
of the local superior and formation supervisor. Submission of the said
request will be in February and will need the approval of the BFT.
9. TERMINATION
OF ASSIGNMENT
The end of the temporary assignment is 2 weeks before the end of the
school year. It is expected then that the necessary preparations for
termination were done already during this time. Expected arrival in the
Brother Formation House is April 1.
10. EXTENSION
As a policy, temporary vows could be extended to the ninth time. In this
connection, extension in temporary assignment is possible only if the
Junior Brother is recommended for a one year extension of his temporary
vows because he is not ready to prepare for final vows. In which case, a
decision of extension of assignment
The Junior Brother at this stage of formation will have already renewed his vows for the 5th or 6th time. Fully aware of the growth process he had undergone and internalized throughout the years in temporary vows, he now faces the reality of making his religious-missionary commitment to the Lord, permanently, that is, by professing the perpetual vows in the Society (SVD).
The discernment process proceeds in four phases:
First, the Brother signifies in writing his sincere desire to prepare for final vows; his suitability and readiness to it is ascertained by an evaluation process. The second phase involves a more internal preparation: “The immediate preparation for perpetual vows take place under special spiritual direction, regularly of meditation.”
The third phase concerns the discernment for the application of first mission assignment. The Brother is advised about the life demands of missionary work especially the assignment to foreign mission. He is guided as to the present needs and priorities of the Society and where his own personal charism would be best utilized. On the other hand, it is very important that the Brother understands that first assignments are permanent in nature. The whole phase is completed with the accomplishment of the Petitio Missionis.
The last phase involves a ten-day-retreat where the Brother intimately and prayerfully dialogue with God to whom he will commit himself for life. At the end of the retreat is the profession of final vows to be received by the Provincial Superior of the Province where the Brother belongs.
The preparation period lasts six (6) months to one year with the accompaniment of the Director of Brother Formation, done in a formation community where such preparation and accompaniment assured (Cons. 514.1)
“To help the brother make a serious, mature assessment of oneself in relation to ones own spirituality, relationship to others, and relationship to God as lived during the preceding stages of formation in view of discerning one’ worthiness and readiness to make a lifetime commitment of self to the Lord, to serve him in the mission of the Church as a member of the Society of the Divine Word”
To help the Brother…
Integrate the various experiences and values encountered in the early stages of formation
Identify and clarify the verbal and non-verbal motivations at play on those experiences
Evaluate the different sets of healthy and unhealthy responses or coping mechanisms to difficult situations and relationships, as a way of determining one’s fitness to living in community
Appreciate and consolidate one’s skills in various ministries
Affirm one’s capacity and fidelity to live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
Prepare for his Petitio Missionis
Psycho-Emoitonal
Personal history of human development
Psychological testing (personality inventory)
EPPS Test
Input: relationships, coping mechanism, review in psycho-social development (Erikson)
Community assignment as a structure to help one’s integration in the community
Activities to develop self-awareness i.e., Enneagram, etc.
Spiritual
Input: Religious life, based on PCP II, Vatican II, SVD Documents
Theological and Spiritual reflection of religious life
Scriptural reflection of Religious Life
Historical and evangelical counsels and their meaning
Celibacy, sexuality
Obedience
Poverty
Intimate relationship in religious life
Liturgy: Eucharist, celebration of the Word, confession
Prayer and Scripture
Contemplation
Social
Conflicts in community life, their role and importance
Daily schedule of activities, structures in life
Anthropological reflection of community life
Communication
Review on the significance of healthy coping mechanisms
Group dynamics of community life and problems
Internationally of SVD
“passing Over” in relationship, values
Missionary
Signs of the times
Present priority apostolate of the SVD
Various ministries open to Brothers
Role of Brothers in Mission
Scriptural reflection on apostolic spirituality
Inculturation, passing-over
Academics
Guided readings and reflections on topics above
Opportunities for workshops outside the formation community
Journal keeping
Implementation/Tools for Monitoring
Weekly formation interview
Twice a month spiritual direction
Journal writing
Testing
Monthly refection papers
Evaluation of community
Self-evaluation of the Brother
Petitio Missionis
Active apostolic involvement during preparation and its corresponding processing
Daily community activities
A. PERSONAL AWARENESS RATING (Mid-Year Evaluation –PreNovitiate)
NAME: (Person being evaluated) ______________________
Formation Level: ___________________________________
Date: _______________________________
HOW IS HE IN THE COMMUNITY
just following the others
unobtrusive
has initiative, but needs backing
dynamic, quickly coming out
WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF HIS DECISIONS
often wrong
good, but not precise
good, open
very good, precise, delicate
HAS HE INFLUENCE ON OTHERS
No
very little
Sufficient
much
HOW DOES HE INCLUENCE HIS AREA OF RESPONSBIBILITY
negatively
Vaguely
rather positively
very positively
HOW DOES HE USE HIS EMOTIONS
indecisive, not stable
rather stable but unsteady
balanced (normal)
very balanced, steady
HOW DOES HE ADAPT HIMSELF TO NEW SITUATION
inclined to routine
with difficulty
Easily
very flexible, easily adapts himself
HOW IS HIS APPEARANCE (LANGUAGE, WAY OF DRESSING)
Slovenly
rather good
polished or veneer
Outstanding
HOW IS HIS PHYSICAL RESISTANCE
not good
Mediocre
Satisfying
Very good
HAS HE TALENT FOR STUDY
little talent
Mediocre
learns and incorporates
very easily learns and incorporates
HIS ATTITUDE CONFRONTING SMALL DUTIES
never present for them
helps as far as he feels attracted
quickly helps
looking for occasions to help
HOW IS HIS SOCIAL ATTITUDE
stiff, self-conscious
Mediocre
relates to certain small groups
smoothly, joyfully relating
IS HE DILIGENT FOR DAILY SCHEDULE
looks for reasons to be absent
often late or absent
sometimes late
always present
CAN HE BE TRUSTED
he lies, unreliable inclined
not to be straight-forward
not considerate in his words
often and honest
WHAT IS HIS BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND HOUSE RULES REGULATIONS
he escapes if possible
inclined to neglect
serious
joyfully involved
HOW DOES HE TAKE HIS BASIC OBLIGATION OF PRAYER AND GROWING UNION WITH GOD
does not give enough attention to it
attention without spirit
sufficient attention
constantly working for it
HOW IS HIS ATTITUDE CONFRONTING AUTHORITY (SENIORS) AND SUPERIORS
rejects authority
authority opposed
sometimes dialogues
looks for open and honest dialogue
INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY AND ITS ACTIVITIES
no attention
little attention
attention
honestly involved
WORKING SPIRIT AS STUDENT
very weak
works only to pass exams
works diligently for self-development only
works diligently and shares with others
B. YEAR-END EVALUATION (Annual Votatio-PreNovitiate)
Name: (Person being evaluated) | ______________________ |
Formation level: | ______________________ |
Date: | ______________________ |
In spirit of prayer and fraternal love; and in order to help him to have an over-all picture of himself and also, to assist the formator in their task of forming him, I do hereby summarize my evaluation and/or recommendations as follows:
A. SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
What good qualities do I see him as a candidate in formation?
In what ways do I feel could he still improve (Negative comments should be descriptive, not judgmental)
B. PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I feel that he has the following strong points in his personality…
I feel that he could still improve in the following aspects…
C. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
How does his personality help in building up the community (e.g. improving the community spirit, witnessing, work, responsibility, initiative, dedication, etc.)
Relationship with others: peer, group, authority, opposite sex, other people, etc.)…
D. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
Good qualities I see him in the pursuit of knowledge…(academic excellence, initiative, study habits, skill development, etc.)
In what ways do I feel he could still improve in his commitment to intellectual and professional growth
E. MISSIONARY DEVELOPMENT
Work and Responsibility: What are the qualities I see him in his commitment to the assigned task and responsibility
In what ways could he still improve to develop more missionary spirit and service
Please encircle the letter of your choice and use the empty space in the form to state your reasons:
That he is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to continue his vocation.
That he is RECOMMENDABLE to continue his vocation.
That I cannot resolve in my INDECISION as to whether he is recommendable or not to continue his vocation in the SVD.
reasons should be stated clearly (in this category, one is doubtful whether the person could still improve or not)
as much as possible, reason shall be descriptive, not judgmental
That he is NOT RECOMMENDABLE to continue his vocation in the SVD
reasons should be clearly stated, supported by hard-facts
I ABSTAIN from making any recommendations (reasons should be clearly stated)
C. ANNUAL VOTATIO FORMAT: Annual Votatio – Theological Formation
In the spirit of prayer and fraternal love, and in order to help BR._________________, SVD to have an overall picture of himself, and also, to assist formators intheir task of religious formation, I do hereby summarize my evaluation as follows:
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
HUMAN IDENTITY
MISSIONARY IDENTITY
ACADEMICS IDENTITY
Recommended
I have a serious doubts about his suitability to renew his vows
Dismiss
Abstain, I don’t know him well enough
Evaluator’s Signature: _______________ Date: ____________
B. WRITTEN SELF-EVALUATION (for Brothers in Temporary Vows)
1. Introduction
Example: In the spirit of prayer… …
2. Contents
5. Christian Identity
6. Human Maturity
7. Community Identity
8. Mission Identity
Apostolate
Academics
Note: The Junior Brother is expected to treat each comprehensively (one page short bond paper per topic according to his experiences)
3. Concrete Action Plan of Improvement for the subsequent years on formation, including a realistic timetable.
4. Conclusion
D. REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE MONTHLY FORMATION REFLECTION (For Junior Brothers in Temporary Assignment)
What are the goals you set for yourself?
Are these goals still valid in the light of present growth and situational realities?
What factors (values, attitudes, possible goals change, feelings, etc.) are contributing to the completion or lack of completion of your goals?
In what ways are these goals helping you to grow in the areas of personal maturity? Relationship to community? Relationship to Christ? And your religious missionary vocation?
Which of your qualities are helping you to grow?
What is holding you back and how are you dealing with these factors?
Check for regularity of: Spiritual Direction, Confessions, Journal Writing, etc…
EVALUATION FOR RENEWAL OF VOWS AND FINAL VOWS
Person Evaluated: | ______________________________________ |
Stage of Formation: | ______________________________________ |
Reason for Evaluation: | ______________________________________ |
Evaluating Community: | ______________________________________ |
No. of Persons Evaluating: | ______________________________________ |
RELIGIOUS STRIVING
has a deep confidence of being loved by God______________
has a grounding sense of trust and faith in God ____________
a sense of gratitude along with a deepening appreciation of one’s God-given vocation_____________
a sense of basic goodness and self-worth_____________
fidelity to vows___________
fidelity to community__________
a disposition of joy and hope____________
regularity in prayer and the Eucharist__________
integrates prayer in daily endeavors___________
uses spiritual direction, retreat, and recollection for his own growth_____
finds God in his works and relations_________
sees God’s loving hand in life’s paradox of blessings and sufferings______
shares his faith and religious convictions with others________
FURTHER COMMENTS:
INTELLECTUAL STRIVING
updated on doctrinal and spiritual issues__________
habitually seeks meaning from experiences___________
has depth and objectivity in his ideas and reflections___________
overly influenced by personal prejudices and biases_________
presumptuous in his thinking and beliefs_________
listens and recognizes truth in others_________
makes a habit of reviewing his thoughts and convictions__________
he reads and is mindful about what’s going on around him_________
engages in conversations re current issues_________
attends talks, seminars, community meetings and reflections for his continuing education_______
has professional competencies_________
possesses problem-solving skills_________
can make his own decision________
translates his ideas into useful contribution to others________
constructively critical about his own and others’ self-understanding______
FURTHER COMMENTS:
AFFECTIVE-RELATIONAL STRIVING
recognizes the need to affirm and be affirmed__________
generally interested in people__________
comfortable with “small talk”___________
trusting, trustworthy, and well-liked_________
easily invests time and attention in relationships___________
comfortable in both being friendly and constructively critical to others__________
has sense of humor__________
sees the value of nourishing friendships to one’s growth__________
psychological blocks:
easily overwhelmed by anger?________
episodes of depression?_______
deep hurt_________
too needy for personal recognition___________
capacity for both empathy and sympathy (caring)__________
able to receive expressions of love without being overwhelmed or embarrassed_______
FURTHER COMMENTS:
MORAL STRIVING
driven by values_________>
he is more driven by personal needs__________
easily forgives and forgets the wrong done to him_________
evidently practices the “golden rule”________
sees the need for ongoing personal conversion_________
honest in small things_________
honest in big and more serious things_________
hampered by addictive behaviors:
Alcohol?______
Night life?_____
Needy exclusive relationships?______
Luxurious lifestyle_______
a sense of fairness, compassion, and justice_______
values basic goodness in himself as a person_________
committed to principle-centered living________
makes a habit of reviewing one’s values and commitments_________
FURTHER COMMENTS
POVERTY
can delay satisfaction of personal needs__________
inordinate attachment to material things__________
responsible in the use of money and community resources_________
is settled with the issue of declaring family inheritance_________
values availability to others________
able to work within one’s limits and resources_________
is content with basic necessities of life_________
able to make sacrifices for others_________
FURTHER COMMENTS:
CHASTITY
make’s time for building relationship inside and outside the community_______
his choice of entertainment, language, and expression of affection is consistent with religious lifestyle_______
maintains a healthy affective self___________
maintains close relationship with family and friends__________
able to share his true feelings with openness and confidence_________
relates to both sexes with ease and in appropriate manner_________
has weakness for needy exclusive friendships_______
capacity for intimacy to self and others_________
capacity for intimacy with God through prayer_______
FURTHER COMMENTS:
OBEDIENCE
is he free of authority hang-ups?________
has no difficulty in responding to the needs of the community_______
overly critical of superiors and of community_________
can understand and accept decisions that do not go with one’s expressed wishes_________
reliable and responsible in assigned tasks___________
able to express disagreement prudently without being overwhelmed by his emotions_________
has he a problem with anger?__________
openness to learn from peers as well as from younger fellows______
possesses skills and right attitude for dialogue_________
seeks God’s guidance in significant decisions_________
FURTHER COMMENTS:
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
makes time for community prayer and recreation_________
offers as much constructive suggestions as criticisms for community building_________
easily finds a role identity in community _________
honors the role of community to one’s personal growth________
identifies himself with the values of the community________
participates in community involvements inside and outside_______
finds joy in religious community living________
respects confrere’s sensitivities by coming to community gatherings and meetings on time________
handles conflict through dialogue_______
escapes or isolates himself when conflicts arise_________
puts the interest of community first over one’s own_________
FURTHER COMMENTS:
MISSIONARY IDENTITY
desirous of working in foreign mission________
effective work habits and ethics_________
has developed some proficient skills for specific ministries________
sees fidelity in God as basis for desiring to do ministry________
sees ministry as God’s gift________
has some experience and knowledge in promoting peace, justice, and active non-violence________
integrates his identity and personal charisms with the characteristic dimensions of the SVD_________
has a spirituality of compassion and care_______
has sufficient leadership skills and personal initiative_________
practices the values of diversity and collaboration_________
critically open to the truth of other faiths and persuasions and to the least-heard-off truth of the minorities and poor________
FURTHER COMMENTS:
BROTHER IDENTITY
is he happy as a brother?_________
is he settled with the fact that to be a brother in this our kind of society, order, and culture is difficult?________
has he the self-confidence grounded in faith and a theological understanding that his vocation is God’s gift (a grace) that is unique to him?__________
appreciates the truth in the ‘one religious missionary vocation’ in the Arnoldus family__________
anti-cleric?_______Or, is he comfortable in their company?________
evidently finds meaning in the life and ministries of the SVD______
can stand confidently in the face of a non-affirming question that won’t go away – a question that often comes from one’s own family, friends, mentors, SVDs: Why be a brother and not a priest?__________
has the emotional strength to deal with the anger that comes, but often not owned, with non-affirming situations __________
finds meaning and strength in his own basic goodness as an individual and as a religious person__________
finds his identity in the evangelical counsels__________
centers his identity in Christ__________
practices the traditional brother “ora et labora” spirituality_______
FURTHER COMMENTS: