FORMATION
The School of Theology is an educational institution, but it is also a place of formation. “Formation” involves academic, spiritual, and professional development, so that a student may be equipped to be “devout, learned, and useful,” whether as clergy or laity in service to the church. As a seminary of the church, we take seriously the broader work of formation, with its attention to spiritual and professional development.
RULE OF LIFE
A rule of life is a pattern that is consciously adopted to support one’s commitment to live as God calls us. Rather than a burdensome obligation, it is a means of creating balance and harmony in one’s life, establishing practices that nurture one’s life in Christ. It takes as a starting point the Baptismal Covenant, with its articulation of Christian living, and expands on it in practical ways. It is an important element in formation for those in the School’s residential programs. An individual rule of life should be both simple and realistic. It must be sustainable, recognizing the many demands of seminary and taking account of one’s obligations to others. It addresses spiritual, relational, physical and emotional elements, and it is a means to an end, helping one to live faithfully according to God’s will.
FURTHER RESOURCES
A typical Rule of Life for a seminarian should include some, or all, of the following: participation in the Eucharist, recitation of the Daily Office, daily personal prayer, spiritual direction, quiet days, study, physical exercise, adequate sleep and nutrition, time with loved ones, stewardship of time and money, and appropriate use of technology and social media. For many, it may include auricular confession, contemplative prayer and meditation, and retreats.
ADVISORS
To this end, at the beginning of their junior year, each student will be assigned to a faculty advisor. This faculty member will continue to be their advisor throughout the duration of their coursework. Each faculty member will advise a group of students across School's programming, at all stages of their progress toward ordination, if applicable, and graduation. Within the group, the advisor acts as a guide through the larger, holistic process of formation.
