Seminary Formation: Recent History, Current Circumstances, New Directions by Katarina Schuth

Abstract

Reviewed by: Seminary Formation: Recent History, Current Circumstances, New Directions by Katarina Schuth Gregory J. Fairbanks Seminary Formation: Recent History, Current Circumstances, New Directions. By Katarina Schuth. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016. 212pp. $24.95. Seminary Formation: Recent History, Current Circumstances, New Directions by Katarina Schuth, is an update of an earlier work. The author has spent most of her professional life in seminary formation, and is recognized as an expert in the sociology of religion. Schuth begins with setting the historical context of seminary formation with the themes developed in Optatam Totius (Decree on Priestly Training). During the years immediately following the Council, the U.S. Bishops issued successive versions of the Program for Priestly Formation (PPF, now in its fifth edition), updating seminary training. Schuth notes that the direct references to Vatican II documents in each edition has decreased with more references to post-conciliar documents such as Pastores dabo Vobis (John Paul II, 1992). Among the emphases that have shifted are the lessening of service-oriented pastoral formation and the centrality of the historical critical method of exegesis for Sacred Scripture, and a re-introduction of the centrality of Thomas Aquinas. She observes that the changes have corresponded to a generational shift of bishops and faculty who were not involved with the Council and its reception. The leadership of seminaries have changed over the past fifty years, with increasing numbers of staff and the growing importance of governing boards. Accreditation agencies, such as the Association of Theological Schools, have both increased an ecumenical viewpoint and focused attention on structure and finances. As the Vatican II generation has retired, the makeup of faculties has shifted to more diocesan priests and laity (men and women), and fewer religious (order priests and sisters). The student bodies of seminaries have become increasingly international, as the population has shifted and fewer young American Catholics practice their faith. Human and Spiritual formation, parts of the four pillars of seminary formation identified by the PPF, have developed quite a bit since [End Page 102] Vatican II, especially in light of Pastores dabo Vobis, as well as the sexual abuse crisis, the change in the age and ethnic makeup of seminarians, the flux of seminary faculty and administration, and the changing roles of priests as their numbers decrease. Seminaries mostly have dedicated staff for each area of formation and treat the Human and Spiritual dimensions with increased attention. The Intellectual and Pastoral dimensions have also developed and grown. The number of required academic credit hours has increased, as have the number of hours spent on supervised pastoral ministry practica. In the final section of the book, Schuth and several other authors offer their perspectives on the current and future needs for seminary formation. She observes the ongoing centrality of a pastoral mandate in seminary formation since Vatican II and recommends a constant review of seminary formation for the current context, including the growth of the secular culture and an honest appraisal of what has alienated so many Catholics who have left the faith, as well as an evaluation of ministerial effectiveness. A generation gap among the clergy is also recognized, both in terms of perception and implementation of ministry. Schuth, and even more the other contributors, note with concern an increase of clericalism among seminarians and younger priests. She recommends seminarians and lay ministers ought to be taught together the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for authentic collaboration, particularly as called for in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (USCCB, 2005). A focused approach in all levels of seminary formation is needed to achieve this goal, which should include ongoing faculty development. Finally, she recommends maintaining admission standards, despite the insufficient number of candidates. After the author, five more veteran seminary officials offer their recommendations on the needs of seminary formation. These include commentaries by religious order men and women, priests and laity. As a sociologist, Katarina Schuth offers a meticulously studied summary of the U.S. seminary system over the last fifty years in a succinct, accessible manner. The evaluations and recommendations offered in the final section make for the most interesting reading for those concerned for seminary life. The recommendations offered...