
The Pre-Theology Program is very helpful to discerning men who have graduated from a post-secondary institution of higher education other than college seminary. The program helps a seminarian to discern more deeply their call to serve our Lord in priesthood, while providing an opportunity to grow humanly, intellectually, pastorally and spiritually.
The program also helps the seminarian become properly oriented to living life that is becoming of a seminarian. Instruction on the Church's prayer - the Liturgy of the Hours - is given. Good prayer habits are formed in the years of pre-theology, and give a seminarian entering into a theology program a solid foundation to build upon.
A major component of a pre-theology program is the study of philosophy. Philosophy has an important role in relation to studies in theology. A solid foundation of philosophy gives a seminarian the tools needed to think critically, and to dialogue with others who may have differing views, while offering valid points that are consistent with Catholic teaching.
The goal of every program is to "develop a reflective awareness of the fundamental relationship that exists between the human spirit and truth, that truth which is revealed to us fully in Jesus Christ" (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 52).