Formation is the process by which an individual is aided in his consideration and preparation for ordained ministry within the Church. The aims of seminary formation are twofold: 1) to assist the student's growth, and 2) to provide an accurate and helpful assessment to the student's diocese. The accomplishment of these goals involves regular meetings between the seminarian and his formation director, group discussions in formation seminars, and a general annual formation symposium. The formation program of Mount Angel Seminary is based on the integrating of four main areas: spirituality, academics, personal, and pastoral. The aim of formation is to enable the seminarian to become effectively self- reflective so that in accurately viewing his life he can see where changes are needed, make concrete plans to effect change, and carry through to achieve these goals.

The following is a concrete description of the formation cycle. In the fall new students are asked to set goals. Returning students review their accountability statements from the previous year and shape goals as needed. All seminarians begin regular meetings with their formation directors. After Thanksgiving students are involved in a review of the initial part of the year. This may be done verbally or the students may be asked to write commendations and recommendations, or answer some review questions. By Christmas guidelines for writing self-evaluations are distributed. The seminarian composes his self-evaluation while his formation director works on the formation report (written evaluation). Evaluation sessions are scheduled between the end of January and early April. For new students this usually takes place during regularly scheduled sessions with their formation directors. For those further along in the seminary program the evaluation session usually includes the diocesan vocation director, bishop, religious superior, and for those requesting a call to orders &endash; the seminary president-rector. Within two weeks of the evaluation, the seminarian is to respond to the evaluative process by writing an accountability statement which completes the cycle by suggesting goals for the remainder of the year and the beginning of the following year.