At St. Paul seminary, ‘process groups’ promote human flourishing

 

At St. Paul seminary, ‘process groups’ promote human flourishing

SAINT PAUL (MN)
The Pillar [Washington DC]

August 31, 2024

By Michelle La Rosa

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When people think about seminary formation, they may think primarily about classes in theology and philosophy – along with, perhaps, some basics in canon law, and practical classes like how to deliver a good homily.

But in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, there’s another element to seminary formation worth mentioning.

Three years ago, The Saint Paul Seminary introduced what it calls “process groups” as part of its propaedeutic year – the first year of seminary formation, which is dedicated to prayer rather than academics.

During the propaedeutic year, the seminarians do not take classes. They undergo an intense process of discernment, fasting from media and computers.

And at The Saint Paul Seminary, they also participate in process groups, consisting of about eight seminarians each, and which are focused on talking through challenges the men experience in their lives – including relationships and mental health, along with struggles in studies or…