Diploma in Integral Vocational Accompaniment Towards a Synodal Church

First Semester Courses: August to December

Anthropology of the Christian Vocation

The course aims to provide a multi-disciplinary and research-based theoretical framework of an anthropological vision of the human person in one’s free response to God’s call for the religious and priestly life in the context of a more synodal Church as articulated by Pope Francis. It emphasizes the anthropological and vocational dimensions of human life, fostering an approach that values dialogue, discernment, and communal listening. It explores the psychodynamic of the human person for a deepened self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and self-transcendence of love while integrating the principles of synodality—journeying together, inclusion, and participation—into the understanding of Christian vocation.

Designed for formators of religious congregations, institutes, and diocesan seminaries, the teaching-learning approach is experiential and communal as premised by the anthropological framework, reflecting the synodal path. Through mutual enrichment, participants engage in exchanges of best practices, limitations, and challenges, cultivating a deepened awareness of their roles as co-disciples in the formation of those called to the religious and priestly life.

Theology and Practice of Synodality: Asian Perspectives

This course examines the theological roots of synodality and explores how it is practiced in the concrete realities of ecclesial life. It will trace the development of synodality in the history of the Church, the significant impact of the Second Vatican Council, and subsequent theological and pastoral developments which eventually led to an emphasis on synodality as the key feature of the Church in the new millennium. Emerging perspectives and ways of proceeding catalyzed by the Synod on Synodality 2021-2024 will also be discussed. The course will give special focus to Asian experiences in the understanding and practice of synodality, while learning points from other parts of the global church will also be considered.

A desired learning outcome of this course is that students would be able to appreciate and articulate the theological foundations and implications of synodality within the on-going tradition of Catholic ecclesiology. This includes bringing to bear their own endeavor to theologize about synodality from the Asian or other local context in dialogue with the magisterial teachings of the Church. Just as important, students would be able to identify current resonances and contradictions in their own local churches and religious communities with regard to the practice of synodality. They would gain some competencies in addressing aspects of ecclesial life that might be in need of a “synodal conversion”, such as co-responsibility for mission, pastoral leadership, formation, participatory structures, decision-making, inclusion of the marginalized, and collaboration. In this course, students will formulate concrete proposals to enhance synodality in their own local contexts.

Introduction to the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults: Consequences for Formation and Pastoral Care

Students will understand safeguarding not only as a response to abuse but as a proactive measure grounded in the Church’s theological and pastoral mission. Students recognize that safeguarding work requires recognizing its theological foundations, knowing the populations most at-risk for sexual abuse, understanding the current situation of the issue of abuse and its history in society and in the Church. They are also introduced to the Relational Safety Model, the framework which tackles safeguarding from the perspectives of the self, the community, and the ministry based on principles and practices consistent with those of the Church, including the synodal principles of inclusivity and shared responsibility. Implications for formation, pastoral care, and fostering a culture of safety in a synodal Church will also be discussed.

Second Semester Course: January to May

Biblical Perspectives on Vocational Accompaniment

This course explores vocation within the biblical narrative through two key dimensions. The first part offers a survey of call narratives, revisiting their structure and theology. Drawing insights from both the Old and New Testaments, it examines how these stories reflect God’s invitation to individuals and communities to participate in His mission. Special attention is given to how these call narratives mirror the communal and dialogical aspects of discernment, key to a synodal Church.

The second part focuses on exegesis of select biblical texts, re-reading them with a particular emphasis on the elements of vocational accompaniment. This involves identifying ways in which those called are supported in their discernment and response to God’s call. By exploring these texts, the course highlights the relational, journeying aspects of accompaniment—elements essential to fostering a synodal culture of listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility in the Church today.

Discernment and Spiritual Direction

The first part of the course delves into the Ignatian practice of discernment in the context of spiritual and retreat direction. Beginning with a foundational exploration of discernment in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the course then focuses on the Ignatian rules of discernment as outlined in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Students will examine how these principles can be applied not only to individual vocation discernment and decision-making but also to communal discernment, fostering a collective journey of discernment, reflecting the Church’s synodal mission of walking together, listening, and discerning the Spirit’s guidance in the community.

Part two of the course seeks to provide participants with a good grasp of the nature of spiritual direction and the dynamics and issues related to it, as well as the opportunity to acquire and practice basic spiritual direction skills. This second part of the course includes training in active and accurate listening and empathic responding, discernment, asking open-ended questions, and offering guidance. Additionally, the course offers students the opportunity to engage in a practicum in spiritual direction, during which they can present their work in class and receive helpful feedback. Furthermore, the course addresses the importance of ethical and professional standards in spiritual direction. This encompasses maintaining confidentiality, respecting the autonomy and beliefs of directees, and adhering to spiritual direction’s code of ethics.

Canon Law on Consecrated Life, Seminary and Religious Formation

This course explores the canonical foundations of consecrated life and seminary formation, emphasizing the principles of communion, discernment, and mission within the Church’s synodal path. Drawing from the 1983 Code of Canon Law and key ecclesial documents issued by recent popes, as well as directives from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and the Congregation for the Clergy, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Church’s legal framework regarding consecrated life and priestly formation.

The first part of the course offers an in-depth study of canonical norms governing various forms of consecrated life (religious institutes, secular institutes, societies of apostolic life). It covers key aspects of the admission, formation, incorporation, and separation of members, focusing on the theology, spirituality, and practice of discernment in light of the Church’s mission and synodal journey. Canons 573-704 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law will be covered.

The second part of the course addresses the canonical legislation on seminary formation, particularly in the context of preparing future priests for a synodal Church. Emphasis will be placed on the discernment of authentic vocations to Holy Orders, integrating spiritual, psychological, and theological dimensions. Canonical procedures for admission to Holy Orders, as reflected in Canons 232-293 and 1008-1054, will be examined.

This course emphasizes the synodal vision of the Church, fostering a deeper understanding of how Canon Law supports vocational discernment and the life of communion in consecrated and priestly ministry.