Sacred Heart Major Seminary Official Web Site

Field Education

Sacred Heart Major Seminary, located as it is in the heart of a large urban Archdiocese, is an ideal place for the education and formation of men for the priesthood. It is in immediate proximity to the poor and the hub of a metropolitan area rich in a diversity of cultures. The seminary is an active participant in the social, political, economic, and religious processes that affect the entire State of Michigan and much of mid-western America. The entire metropolis—inner city, urban, suburban, and rural—becomes the living laboratory in which the student learns.

Field Education is an integral part of the seminary program. The program leads through gradual pastoral experiences to a full exercise of priestly ministry. In supervised and directed situations, the seminarian participates in ministry, works with competent professionals engaged in ministry, reflects on the personal impact of ministry, listens to parishioners, and dialogues with peers. In all, he is immersed in pastoral education.

The components of Field Education look at the seminarian, the practice of ministry, and theological reflection—in essence, the "who", "what", and "why" of ministry. These components are:

First Year:
Introduction to Field Education
Parish Intensive Weekends
Reflections

Second Year:
Learning Contract
Field Assignment
Supervision
Reflection

Second Summer:
Clinical Pastoral Education

Third Year:
Parish Pastoral Experience

Fourth Year:
Preparation for Diaconal Assignment
Weekend Diaconal Assignment