Formation in the SIP
Priests of Malawi praying dedications to the Holy Spirit
FORMATION IN THE SIP
The Secular Institute of Diocesan Priests was officially approved and recommended as a religious community according to canon law by the Bishop of Limburg, Dr. Franz Kamphaus, on April 13, 1977. The SIP helps to promote unity and solidarity among the priests through monthly meetings, Review of Life, study of the spiritual life and common pastoral activities.
While the Secular Institute is made up of diocesan priests (and is open to deacon membership), it is missionary and international and has groups in the USA, in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland in Africa, also in India, the Philippines and Germany.
Since the SIP is recognized as a real religious community in the church, we believe that members have a vocation to the community. As ordained ministers we consider our vocation to the SIP as a vocation within a vocation. Our first responsibility is to the diocese in which we are incardinated and to our bishop. Additionally, we are able to join the Secular Institute. Therefore, a time of discernment and formation is necessary before a candidate can become an official member of the Institute.
Since members of the Secular Institute of Priests are already ordained deacons (permanent or transitional) or priests before they can join the community, they have already undergone extensive theological study and formation. Formation in the SIP generally means joining together with the other members at their regular meetings. Where it is possible one of the members is asked to be a mentor, or Formator, for a new candidate to help him become acquainted with the spirituality, historical development and lifestyle of the SIP. There are many written documents available to help facilitate this formation.
Usually a candidate begins with a number of months as a “come and see” experience where he is with the other members and becomes acquainted with the format of their regular monthly meetings. If he discerns that this community is something that he would like to explore further he can ask to become a candidate in formation. There is an initial formation period of two years during which the candidate continues to meet with the group and study the documents of the SIP, particularly the Manual for the Spiritual Life (Directorium Spirituale) and the Constitutions of the community. After this formation time he may pray a first dedication and make a first contract with the community which are valid for two years. Following that time, if he desires to continue with the SIP, he must, according to canon law, renew his dedication for a further three years before he can pray a lifetime dedication.
The Secular Institute of Diocesan Priests was officially approved and recommended as a religious community according to canon law by the Bishop of Limburg, Dr. Franz Kamphaus, on April 13, 1977. The SIP helps to promote unity and solidarity among the priests through monthly meetings, Review of Life, study of the spiritual life and common pastoral activities.
While the Secular Institute is made up of diocesan priests (and is open to deacon membership), it is missionary and international and has groups in the USA, in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland in Africa, also in India, the Philippines and Germany.
Since the SIP is recognized as a real religious community in the church, we believe that members have a vocation to the community. As ordained ministers we consider our vocation to the SIP as a vocation within a vocation. Our first responsibility is to the diocese in which we are incardinated and to our bishop. Additionally, we are able to join the Secular Institute. Therefore, a time of discernment and formation is necessary before a candidate can become an official member of the Institute.
Since members of the Secular Institute of Priests are already ordained deacons (permanent or transitional) or priests before they can join the community, they have already undergone extensive theological study and formation. Formation in the SIP generally means joining together with the other members at their regular meetings. Where it is possible one of the members is asked to be a mentor, or Formator, for a new candidate to help him become acquainted with the spirituality, historical development and lifestyle of the SIP. There are many written documents available to help facilitate this formation.
Usually a candidate begins with a number of months as a “come and see” experience where he is with the other members and becomes acquainted with the format of their regular monthly meetings. If he discerns that this community is something that he would like to explore further he can ask to become a candidate in formation. There is an initial formation period of two years during which the candidate continues to meet with the group and study the documents of the SIP, particularly the Manual for the Spiritual Life (Directorium Spirituale) and the Constitutions of the community. After this formation time he may pray a first dedication and make a first contract with the community which are valid for two years. Following that time, if he desires to continue with the SIP, he must, according to canon law, renew his dedication for a further three years before he can pray a lifetime dedication.