Pedagogical criteria

The participants come to the Professional Courses in order to learn and to acquire principles for making judgements. We are trying neither to arouse an unhealthy sense of questioning everything nor to feed the (very widespread) craze of seeingproblems everywhere or of risking oneself in ideological adventures. Rather we want to give them doctrine which is solid, deep and reliable, as well as an apostolic zeal and a deeper interior life. We should avoid, therefore, both empty dialectic as well as simple and unimaginative classes.

Doctrinal criteria

Normally, speaking to them about specialised theological issues is only likely to confuse them and waste their time. It can even put them in danger of losing their faith, because they are not sufficiently prepared philosophically or theologically to handle things at this level.

We have always been particularly interested in the proper doctrinal formation of our St Raphael boys and girls. From the moment they first come in contact we try to guide their reading, recommending some sound works, warning them against others, and explaining to them briefly but clearly the reasons for the Church’s rights in this matter.