Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A new phase in seminary education is shaping the experience of men entering priestly formation for the Archdiocese of Louisville. Ryan Rasmussen, a seminarian for the archdiocese, recently discussed his completion of the propaedeutic year at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, alongside four others from Louisville.

This preparatory year, now required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Program of Priestly Formation in the United States of America,” marks the first stage in a seven- to eight-year process leading to ordination. Three new seminarians from Louisville began this stage this fall, making them the third group from the archdiocese to do so since its implementation.

Father Martin Linebach, vicar for vocations and director of the Vocation Office for the Archdiocese of Louisville, explained that some people mistakenly view this year as a pre-seminary period rather than an integral part of seminary life. “That’s kind of a misunderstanding — when you’re in the propaedeutic stage — that you’re not a seminarian or you’re not in seminary. You are,” he said.

He noted that while intellectual and pastoral formation are present throughout seminary training, “the richness of the propaedeutic stage” lies in its focus on spiritual and human development.

During this initial year, seminarians participate in daily prayer routines including Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, and adoration. Peter Bifone Jr., another seminarian who completed his first year at St. Meinrad, said: “You establish your prayer routine and then you add stuff on top of it, so you can always fall back on your habits of your prayer rather than trying to learn it as you go.”

Rasmussen described his spiritual growth during this time as significant: “You start discovering how deep the spiritual life can really be,” he said.

Father Linebach emphasized that this period is also retreat-like and helps men become more certain about their vocation: “There has to be a degree of certainty as someone progresses through seminary. And that certainty should grow,” he said. He added that discernment continues intensely during these early years.

Human formation is another key aspect. Rasmussen called it “the jewel of the propaedeutic year.” He reported forming close friendships with fellow seminarians—bonds that have continued into subsequent years.

Thomas Wichmann, another seminarian, reflected on personal growth within community life: “You come to know your flaws when you’re in community. They’re just more exposed and being rubbed against. So, for me, it taught me to be patient with myself, to love people better.” He added: “We’re all like these jagged rocks in a tumbler... So we knock off each other’s jagged edges to become well-rounded rocks.”

Academically, first-year seminarians take classes on Scripture and Church teachings designed to prepare them for future studies. Father Linebach stated these courses provide foundational skills needed for later academic demands.

Bifone found this transition helpful after working in software development: “I was kind of out of the whole tests and classes and reading for class workflow... having to take notes, how to study for stuff,” he said. Rasmussen also appreciated easing back into academics after studying mechanical engineering.

Pastoral formation begins with ministry assignments such as hospital work or serving at soup kitchens; last year’s group worked primarily with Hispanic Ministry at local parishes.

A notable feature is a technology fast during weekdays—a policy meant to foster healthier relationships with technology. Father Linebach commented: “I thought they would complain like crazy, but they all appreciated it. They experienced a certain freedom...” Wichmann used this time to reconnect with sports while Rasmussen picked up playing pool; others developed hobbies like cooking or music.

The propaedeutic stage concludes with a pilgrimage along Spain’s Camino de Santiago.