Diocese of Covington - Messenger at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41015 US - Pastoral Formation

Seminarian John Michniuk prays during a walk through the St. Vincent cemetery

Priest candidates take part in realistic pastoral formation ministries, such as volunteering in service agencies and parishes. Seminarians close to ordination, such as Deacon Cushing and Deacon Schaeper, serve in parishes in the dioceses of Greensburg or Pittsburgh on the weekends. Their academic preparation puts a priority on public speaking and homelitic (preparing and delivering homilies) skills, and practice in “translating” complex theological truths into everyday language. In all these ways they grow in ability and confidence to serve God’s people.

The Benedictine spirituality is a living example of “what I think our students will be doing as pastors … one day presiding in charity over communities of believers,” says Benedictine Father Edward Mazich, an assistant professor of biblical languages and systematic theology, himself a graduate of St. Vincent Seminary.

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