PRIESTLY FORMATION IN SAN ANTONIO
Oblate School of Theology
The requirements of the Program of Priestly Formation are the core elements of the various degree programs. Academic Strength for Pastoral Ministry Academic Strength for Pastoral Ministry is the focus of the priestly formation program at Oblate School of Theology. From the first year, students are engaged in Supervised Ministry. Ministry placements are intentionally designed to meet formation goals and to match the gifts of the individual seminarian. Experiences drawn from Supervised Ministry are broken open in Theological Reflection sessions to reveal the deeper implications of serving the Gospel and to further integrate academic study. Building upon three years of Supervised Ministry, the Internship program offers nine months of hands-on experience in ministry. Internship fosters growth and integration by providing personal support and monitoring as well as processes for reflection and evaluation. The Integrating Seminar is the capstone of pastoral formation at Oblate School of Theology. Pulling together their cumulative experience in academic research and study, in ministry and reflection, the students present pastorally sensitive solutions to significant problems in ministry. Assumption Seminary directs the personal and spiritual development of men who will be diocesan priests. Through the Spiritual Life Program, seminarians are encouraged to develop spirituality, which is integrated, self-motivated, and appropriate to diocesan priesthood. Eucharistic Liturgy and the Liturgy of the Hours set the rhythm for daily prayer. During their third year of theology, students preach in both English and Spanish. Spiritual Direction is required and goals are developed for personal and communal prayer. Retreats, Spiritual Life Conferences, and weekly availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation provide a supportive atmosphere in which seminarians can build a solid prayer life. Regular meetings with staff and processes of evaluation assist the seminarians in their vocational discernment and in their development of a priestly identity. The various religious houses of formation coordinate similar programs for their students according to the charism and traditions of each community. Students from all the formation communities gather each Tuesday at OST to celebrate Eucharist planned by members of the various communities working together. The faculty and Administration at OST work closely with the students and respond readily to the voiced needs of the directors of the formation houses. The Formation Directors and the Academic Dean of OST meet monthly. Once each semester, the entire faculty meets with the formation directors, collaborating closely in the formation process. Written evaluations provided by the faculty are incorporated into the formation directors' evaluation of the students.
Accreditation Oblate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to award master degrees and is a Candidate for Accreditation to award Doctoral degrees. Admission and Expenses Admission to Oblate School of Theology and Assumption Seminary is arranged through the diocesan Bishop or Vocation Director. Costs for degree or renewal programs can be obtained by contacting the Director of Admissions at 210-341-1366.
About the School Oblate School of Theology was founded in San Antonio in 1903 to form young men to serve as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mexico, and the Philippines. From its earliest days the School has earned praise as one of the foremost graduate schools in the Southwest. Today, the multi-faceted, international student body includes seminarians from sixteen dioceses across the U.S. who are in formation at Assumption Seminary as well as seminarians from seven religious communities; The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Missionhurst/CICM, Claretian Missionaries, Redemptorists, Holy Cross, Theatines, and the Missionaries of the holy Family. The mission of OST, and these formation communities, is to prepare candidates for a variety of ministries with an emphasis on academic studies and supervised pastoral practice in an atmosphere which fosters spiritual and personal growth. Drawing upon Oblate School of Theology’s location and historic dedication to the Mexican-American presence in the Southwest, the learning, teaching, and research of the School pay particular attention to the diverse and rich Hispanic reality of the Americas. Degree programs include: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and Undergraduate Philosophy and Theology. Oblate School of Theology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin. Oblate School of Theology’s park like campus features the Administration Building with an extensive library, the Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel, the beautiful Lourdes Grotto and Guadalupe Shrine, and the new Oblate Renewal Center. Aside from its obvious appeal as one of the nation’s most desirable tourist destinations, San Antonio offers three Catholic universities as well as OST. Numerous cultural institutions including the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) are located in the city. MACC is a national center for research, education, leadership formation and publications on Hispanic Ministry offering programs in language, cultural awareness, and pastoral ministry. This bilingual, multi-cultural city offers many opportunities to experience diversity and cultural exchange which are reflected in the formation faculties and communities associated with OST. Director of Admissions |
