The whole work of priestly formation would be deprived of its necessary foundation if it lacked a suitable human formation (Pastores dabo vobis paragraph 43).
We are all different: we all have different gifts and talents. Each one of us needs to look at how we can grow in our capacity for intimacy, trust, maturity and adaptability. At the same time, it is vital that we explore the charism of celibacy as an element in the vocation to ministerial priesthood. We all need to appreciate the importance of friendship, openness, risk and boundaries in relationship building.
At Ushaw, the human development programme, as well as the support of spiritual directors, personal and pastoral tutors, fellow students and staff, will play a part in the personal growth of each one. The human development programme seeks to offer training in personal development and to collaborate with the Pastoral Department in offering training in skills for ministry. Personal development, human relationships, skills for pastoral ministry and spiritual growth are all interlinked. The human development programme seeks to raise the awareness of the seminarians in these areas of their life and to provide a healthy combination of support and challenge to enable them to prepare for their lives as diocesan priests. The College is also able to make provision for students to benefit from the help offered by counsellors and other professionals when this is deemed to be of value.
© 2008 Trustees of Ushaw College
