Today, twenty-seven New Men complete the first phase of the New Student Experience.  They represent the Archdioceses of Miami and Nassau, and the Dioceses of St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Pensacola-Tallahassee, Palm Beach, and Venice.  Seven Returning Men made the sacrifice to arrive early and assist the New Men in their adjustment to seminary life.  The Team includes: Steve Olson, Hernan Ramirez, Erik Willman, Javier Barreto, Bryan Garcia, Fenly St. Jean, and Jonathan Stephanz. 

            Filled with excitement and anticipation, the New Men arrived with their families assisting them in their move.  Mass was celebrated for all, and a welcome dinner followed in the refectory.  The New Men then began a two week journey together, gaining a deeper understanding of seminary life and formation before the responsibilities of the Fall Semester begin. 

            Over the course of their first weekend in the seminary, the New Men were introduced to foundational documents such as Optatam Totius, Pastores Dabo Vobis, and the fifth edition of The Program of Priestly Formation.  Through these documents they were given a Trinitarian, Christological, and Ecclesial vision of priesthood.  The four pillars of Priestly Formation (Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral) were presented to them, as was the importance of community life. 

            During the next two weeks, they participated in activities that brought to life the four pillars and assisted in building a sense of communion.  Each day they attended mass and participated in the Liturgy of the Hours.   They also participated in formation conferences on such topics as Lectio Divina, the Ignatian Examen, Celibacy, and the Liturgy of the Hours.  They went to academic sessions introducing them to the disciplines of theology, the humanities, and philosophy.  They attended Spiritual Conferences to guide them toward an understanding of the internal forum and the role of the spiritual director.  

                Social events were scheduled to assist them in their human growth, adjustment, and sense of fellowship.  They took a bus tour of Miami, went bowling, attended a Marlin’s game, and rode the Metro-rail downtown to attend Mass at Gesu Church, the oldest parish in the city of Miami.  After that Mass, they walked to Bayside Market Place for lunch.    They also spent a day at the Florida International University Ropes Course, building team-work skills (see photo above). 

                With the assistance of the House and Adjunct Spiritual Directors, the New Men participated in a three day, silent, directed retreat in the Ignatian style.  This took place during Tropical Storm Fay, which did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Men who very sincerely gave themselves to the silence. 

                On Thursday, August 21st, the New Men welcomed the Returning Seminarians home as they arrived to begin a new semester.  They participated in a social to begin to know the returning men and broaden their sense of community life. 

                As the academic semester begins, the New Men will participate in small group discussions under the direction of the New Student Experience Team.  Through these discussions, they will be able to process the information given to them during the NSE as they live the concepts during the semester.