National Rectors' Meeting in Florida

I’m at Our Lady of Florida Retreat House in Florida for a few days for the National Meeting of Seminary Rectors sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association.  While we are spending a great deal of time examining the formation of formators, psychological assessments and other issues, we are also hearing reports from a number of specialists in Seminary Formation.

Father Shawn McKnight of the USCCB’s Clergy and Consecrated Life department reported on 2013 Ordination Survey, the Bishops’ approval of “Guidelines on the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions,” and the Annual Survey of Theology and College Seminaries.  

Dr. Emily Cash of the Saint Luke Institute gave an insightful report on the NCEA-Saint Luke Institute Human Formation Consultation which will be published by this time next year.  Finally, Jim Lundholk-Eades of the National Roundtable on Church Management addressed the group.

Tomorrow we will hear presentations from Dr. Rick Nlieve of In-Trust, Joan Rosenhauer of Catholic Relief Services, and Fr. Richard Chiola of NOCERCC.

Long days but a great opportunity for networking!  I already have ten pages of typed notes.  And, of course, it helps that it’s 80 degrees and sunny!!  Hope to be home before Thursday’s storm!