General Secretariat for Formation

The Evaluation of a
Ratio Formationis

PART ONE

AFTER READING THE RATIO TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1.    Scope of the Ratio

What are your impressions of the Ratio?

Does it have an underlying philosophy and theology?

Is there an effort to inculturate formation in the culture, the rite and the local church?

Is there evidence that “formation into our proper Charism is essential in every time and place?”

Are there elements of the Ratio that would be better placed in a Handbook of Formation?

Is so, which ones? (A handbook should outline the specific tools, methods and programs)

Does the Ratio reflect a holistic approach?

2.    Elements of Formation

1)    Agents of Formation

What role does the (v) provincial secretariat of formation play?

Is the role of the vocation director(s) and youth ministry defined?

Is there some indication of the criteria to be used in choosing formators?

Is there mention of adequate training for formation personnel?

How are spiritual directors appointed? Are they a part of the formation team?

2)    Stages of Formation

Are all the stages of formation included in the Ratio?

Is there an evaluation in place from one stage of formation to the next?

First formation

Are the criteria for selecting candidates clear?

Is there an assessment process for acceptance?

Is there a clearly defined postulancy/propaedeutic year?

What criteria are used for admission into Novitiate?

First Profession and initial formation

What role do the formators have in the content of each year of initial formation?

Is there a curriculum in place for initial formation?  What about regular input by formation personnel? Is this planned or haphazard?

Is there a program in place for preparing for final vows?

Is there an internship/pastoral year in the unit? How is this monitored? How is it formative? How are communities chosen to be a site for internships?

Ongoing Formation

Is there a clear program outlined for transition to ministry?

Is there a program for the transitional diaconate? Who supervises? What shape does this supervision take?

Is there a program in place for brothers and priests in the first five years of ministry?

What role do mentors and supervisors play in this time of transition?

Is there a program of ongoing formation of all confreres?

3)    Dimensions of Formation

Human

Are there elements missing?  Is it too sketchy, too long?  Is affective maturity described, are the goals of human development outlined, is there some description of skills for community living?

Spiritual

Are there elements missing? E.g. what is expected in terms of sacramental and liturgical life? What is the role of meditation and private devotion in the spiritual life; devotion to Mary, the Eucharist, reading of scripture; a spirituality of consecrated life and the vows?

Community

Does the program have criteria outlined that evaluate the ability to live in community? Is unhealthy individualism addressed – the use of cell-phones, computers, internet?

Academic/Professional

Is there a sound philosophical, theological and pastoral formation present?

Are supplementary courses available on moral theology/homiletics/history of the Congregation/spirituality and charism of the Congregation provided?

Is there a curriculum of studies for Brother Candidates?

Pastoral

Are there pastoral opportunities at each stage of formation?

Is there proper supervision

Is there some indication of preparation for working with Laity?

Sexuality and Celibacy

Is there a program for formation for celibacy at each stage?

Are elements missing? How are issues of homosexuality dealt with; Living celibacy in ministry; celibacy and spirituality; professional and personal boundaries; and, the role of community and gospel friendships in maintaining celibacy?

4)    Collaboration with other units

5)    Evaluations

Are the criteria for the selection of novices and stude3nts consistent with the Ratio Formationis? (Refer #71)

PART TWO

It might help for consistency in reviewing the Ratios if we all had the same outline. Using the outline above with the answers to the questions might provide us with a format:

I.      Scope of the Ratio

II.    Elements of Formation

1)    The Agents of Formation

2)    The Stages of Formation

3)    The Dimensions of Formation

4)    Collaboration

5)    Evaluations

III.  Closing comments