The Spiritual Formation Program at the Franciscan School of Theology is an integral element of our educational process. A core focus of the program is the integration of students’ spiritual growth along with their academic and intellectual development.

 

A unique dimension of the Spiritual Formation program provides students the opportunity to develop a Rule of Life, which is a form of personal covenant.  In consultation with the Director of Spiritual Formation, participants prepare and commit themselves to their Rule of Life in the presence of the school community gathered in prayer at a Covenant Ritual.  Those witnessing the commitment are invited to offer support and prayer for those making their covenant. 

 

In addition to the Rule of Life, the Spiritual Formation program provides experiences of communal prayer, retreats, spiritual direction, and opportunities for small group reflection and spiritual renewal. Attention to personal growth coupled with awareness of social/environmental justice supports an integrated approach to spiritual formation at FST. 

 

During their time at FST, students are encouraged to create a personalized spiritual formation plan. For students in professional ministry degree programs (M.Div and MAMC), creating a spiritual formation plan is an integral part of their program.  With the assistance of the Director or Spiritual Formation, they are encouraged to develop a plan that attends to their particular needs and goals as well as to goals specific to the formation of lay ecclesial ministers.  These goals are drawn from the Franciscan tradition, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the National Association for Lay Ministry. 

 

Since formation is a lifelong process, the Spiritual Formation program is extended to alumnae/i of the school through invitations to participate in various activities and celebrations, so that a spirit of generous service can be supported and sustained beyond the student’s time at FST.