The accomplishment of these goals involves regular meetings between the seminarian and his formation director, group discussions in formation seminars, and a general annual formation symposium. The aim of formation is to enable the seminarian to become effectively self- reflective so that in accurately viewing his life he can see where changes are needed, make concrete plans to effect change, and carry through to achieve these goals. The following is a concrete description of the formation cycle. In the fall new students are asked to set goals. Returning students review their accountability statements from the previous year and shape goals as needed.
All seminarians begin regular meetings with their formation directors.
After Thanksgiving students are involved in a review of the initial part of the year. This may be done verbally or the students may be asked to write commendations and recommendations, or answer some review questions. By Christmas guidelines for writing self-evaluations are distributed. Evaluation sessions are scheduled between the end of January and early April. For new students this usually takes place during regularly scheduled sessions with their formation directors.