Discernment
Admission in the Society
Who are the Sulpicians, and what is their mission?
Diocesan Priests - We are an association of diocesan priests. Though remaining incardinated in our own dioceses, we have received permission from our diocesan bishop to make a permanent commitment to Sulpician ministry.
CommunityLife - From a canonical perspective, the Society of Saint Sulpice is a community of apostolic life of pontifical right. As such, we carry out our ministry under the authority of Constitutions approved by the Holy See and a leadership elected by our own members.
Service to the Diocesan Priesthood - Our mission and commitment is to serve God and the Church by serving the diocesan priesthood. We do this primarily by running seminary programs and by sponsoring programs on ongoing formation for priests.
Discernment
What are the Sulpicians looking for in those who seek to join them?
Parish experience - Before a candidate joins us, we expect him to have had at least two years of parish experience and that he has developed a sense of affiliation with his own diocese and a commitment to the priestly ministry. For we need priests who enjoy their priesthood and who
are willing to assist the bishops in their service to seminarians and priests.
Ability to work in a team - We seek candidates with the capacity to work in a community setting, including an ability to work in a collegial style and to collaborate with both ordained and lay persons in a common mission.
Ability to share faith We want prayerful candidates who have the capacity to share their faith, ideals and enthusiasm for Jesus and his Gospel, the Church and priesthood. Our founder Jean-Jacques Olier's The apostolic Spirit can inspire this readiness to share.
Special gifts We look for candidates and priests with above-average potential for professional training in the areas of spiritual direction, teaching (especially in the major branches of theology and philosophy), administration and/or pastoral supervision. This supposes one to be
open to an ever updating sulpician formation.
How do I become a Sulpician?
Prerequisites - You must be a priest in good standing incardinated in a diocese and you are willing to serve in the ministries of the Canadian Province.
Application for membership - After learning more about the Sulpicians, you obtain written permission from your bishop to begin the application process and after you fulfill its requirements you submit your application in writing to the Provincial Superior or the Sulpician in charge
of formation.
First assignment - If your application is accepted, the Provincial Council gives you a first assignment in the Canadian Province, once your diocese has released you from your duties. Usually this first assignment is for two years.
Stages of membership - During this first experience as a candidate, you take part in the sulpician formation program : various stages, Sulpician Month, and Solitude. Then, after another discernment, you can apply for a temporary admission in the Society. If need be, you complete
the 2d and 3d cycle graduate studies. Now you may apply for full and permanent membership as a Sulpician.
Contacts and Information
Whom to contact for more information ?
Write to :
- Father Jacques D'Arcy, S.S.
Provincial Superior
Saint Sulpice Seminary
116 Notre Dame St West
Montreal, Qc, CANADA, H2Y 1T2
Or
- Father Carlos Ballén, S.S.
Provincial delegate in Latin America
Casa Sacerdotal de San Sulpicio
Carrera 62 No 172-41, Barrio San José de Bavaria
Bogotá, D.C., Colombia A.S.
Or
- Father Argiro Restrepo, p.s.s.
Major Seminary of Montreal
2065, Sherbrooke street West
Montreal, (Quebec) H3H 1G6
telephone: 514 935-1169 # 205
E-mail addresses
Send a fax (514) 286-9021
- to the Provincial Secretary, Montreal (514) 286-9021
- to the Provincial Delegation, Bogota (57-1) 487-0225
